What are the unstated assumptions and aims of OS?

[Larry Peterson]

I agree with many of the comments thus far, that the implications and
philosophy of Open Space informs my life as well as the way I
"facilitate" meetings.   In Harrison's new book, he talks about the
"Open Space Mentality" as well as the "Technology".  I have been part of
events where folks, even Harrison, did not follow much "ritual" but
basically said, you know the principles and law, there are the post-its,
go for it.  It can work with people who connect to what OST is about.
It is confusing for those who do not.

I do think the ritual that I have learned to use enables me and most
groups to engage the energy in the situation.  (After the sponsor sets
the context within which space is opened.)  It does take 15 minutes or
so and the wall and size of the group can take it up to an hour.

I have also found that a meeting space for any group over 25 or so that
is less than 3 hours does not feel as much like open space.  I have used
an "adaptation" in 1.5 hours with one round of discussion a guided
self-imitation process for groups and brief closing.  This has always
led to successful discussion and more energy than other ways of doing
it.  I think it is done in the Open Space "Mentality" or spirit.
However, the group knows that I am up there, ready to guide them again
in a brief time.

I don't think a group that is still "new" to OS (or still coming from
another worldview even if they have done it many times) really takes
ownership of the agenda, the flow and is able to live out the principles
and law in less than 4 hours to a day.  I don't think the new group
really experiences being in charge but still believes the "facilitator"
is managing the thing with out sufficient time/space to experience a
different kind of meeting.  This is not to say that it doesn't "work"
for folks, the facilitator or the agenda.  I just think there is
another, deeper level of experience that can happen with more time --
and even deeper with evening and morning news and overnight.  This aim
or assumption is there for me, often stated with a client.

Larry

Larry Peterson
Associates in Transformation
Toronto, ON, Canada
416.653.4829

larry at spiritedorg.com
www.spiritedorg.com

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