givens

[Birgitt Williams]

Judi,
You have said a very important point about "givens". So much of what happens
in organizations, including regarding an OST meeting is buried within the
world of assumptions. Any help that can be given to test them and speak them
assists in getting at reality rather than illusion (co-illusion, collusion).
And as we have seen in the conscious Open Space Organization, this assists
in changing what appears to be so, to what is so at a much faster rate.

There are always "givens" whether we state them or not. Even the theme is a
"given". And if the organization sees no more "givens" but that everything
is open for change as a result of the OST event, then stating that
everything is open is also a "given". I have had fun in the past when during
the planning meeting we write that one up as a "given" especially in
cultures where it is seen to be politically correct to appear that free and
loose. Once they see this in writing, the squirming starts and then comments
start to come up and the "givens" get stated honestly. And, it is okay. The
whole time, we are stressing to the group to push back and push back to
create the maximum freedom for the participants not only in the OST meeting
but beyond it.

Birgitt

-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Judi
Richardson
Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:59 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: givens


Hi Kerry -- love the saying!

As to givens -- I often think of them as untested and/or unspoken
assumptions -- whenever we articulate those -- they are up for change at a
much faster rate...

cheers
J

Judith Richardson
Pono Consultants International
Facilitating the Flow
    of Inspired Collaboration
www.ponoconsultants.com
(902) 435-0308

-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of kerry
napuk
Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:48 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: givens


Dear All

I must confess to a habitual turn-off when it comes to "givens."  If
we start with restrictions, how do we get to possibilities?

I realise this is a struggle between what might be and what likely
will be, but cannot events capture hearts and minds and just do it?
As my humble daily Zen calender recorded on 1 January, "it is never
too late to do nothing."

Blessings

Kerry
--

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