Theme vs Topics

[Birgitt Williams]

I love all of the replies on this. Great discussion. I also want to add that
I don't think the theme is so important in relation to what happens at the
OST meeting. I think it is important so that people can give a reasonable
degree of informed consent about what they are agreeing to attend when they
receive the invitation. I also think the theme "manages expectations" about
what is likely to be moved into action AFTER the OST event.

Birgitt

-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of John
Dicus
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2001 12:01 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: Theme vs Topics


>
>What advice do you have when topics are initiated during agenda
>setting, particularly the first one out of the chute, that are
>clearly not related to the stated theme?
>
Dear Dave,

"Sit, smile, and hold the space for whatever wants to happen. (period)"


Once in an OS for an IS/IT outfit, one guy convened a session on the unit's
logo.  He didn't like the shape or color or something.  The CIO frowned.
As it turns out, it was a well-attended session folks talked about their
very essence and how it was represented (or not) in the patch.  They talked
about relationships, what they cared most about in life & on the job... and
so on.


I've seen the same stuff come out of a dress-code session.  Maybe it's like
playback theater -- it offers a safe way to segue into risky areas.


I'm just thinking out loud here (maybe too much coffee)...  how about
inviting folks to convene a session that's 180 degrees opposed to the theme
-- as much in disagreement as possible.  I'd bet it ends up hitting the
real issues as well as "focussed" sessions.  Just a hunch.  Maybe its a way
of saying that if the right people come, you can't miss the mark. (unless
you close down the space).  Like in Ghost-Busters where the heros weren't
supposed to think of anything bad, and Dan Akroyd couldn't help thinking
about the Sta-Puff Marshmallow Man?


Watch & Learn are two good words to reflect on while saying nothing.

John

--
John Dicus  |  CornerStone Consulting Associates
- Leadership - Systems Thinking - Teamwork - Open Space - Electric Maze -
2761 Stiegler Road, Valley City, OH 44280
800-773-8017  |  330-725-2728 (2729 fax)
mailto:jdicus at ourfuture.com  |  http://www.ourfuture.com

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