making the most of a very short OS

[Michelle Cooper]

Hi Laurie;
I too have had success with short open space technology meetings. I usually
hold out for 4 hours, but would not go with less than 3 hours. It is a good
way to energize groups and to get their common and individual issues and
opportunities on the table and to have some good discussion.

My experience is that it is important to focus the theme for a shorter open
space without narrowing the possibilities. Along the lines that Laurel
suggsted, you might like to focus on "What are the issues and opportunities
for making Ithica Dollars the currency of choice?" That way, people
concerned with structure can talk about structure and those who want to take
action can discuss that ...or anything else they have passion for.

I like to work with the sponsor ahead of time to look at the story line to
help with defining the theme (as suggested by Birgitt in past discussions).
You might be able to do this in a conference call if time is an issue or in
a meeting with the executive committee. Review with them the significant
events over the past two years (since the board has come into play). Then
ask them what they see their future story looking like after the event. The
discussions can help to define a theme. This is also the time that you can
talk about givens...what are the non-negotiables in the discussion. While
Harrison suggested that givens can be stones around your neck, it is
sometimes a good idea to restate some of the obvious. If you are the only
paid staff member, the given might be related to your time..and the
resources may need to be found to move actions forward. If there are an
overwhelming number of issues and opportunities identified, then you might
want to set a follow-up meeting or other method to prioritize ideas. A three
hour meeting does not allow time to do this well.

Good luck with this and hope to hear of your results.
Michelle

Michelle Cooper RN, MScN
The Cooper Group Consultants
200 Crestview Avenue
Ancaster, ON Canada L9G 1E2
Tel. (905) 648-4633
Fax. (905) 648-1763
E-mail coopgrp at interlynx.net <mailto:coopgrp at interlynx.net>
"Dans la vie, il n'y a pas de solutions. Il n'y a que des forces en marche:
il fout les créer et les solutions suivent."Saint-Exupéry


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