is it still open?

[Harrison Owen]

Elwin -- you have described my way perfectly. Having the conversation is
great -- always keeping everything open to outcomes. I remember sitting with
an anxious sponsor before a meeting who was so concerned that the "right"
issues would not emerge. I invited him to write down what he thought were
the "right issues" on a piece of paper, put it in his pocket, and then see
how things moved along. At the end of the OS, I asked how it all came out
for him, and he responded that it was all "magic" -- and frankly he had
never looked at his piece of paper. I urged him to do that -- and he pulled
out a rumpled piece, contemplated it for a bit and said -- "God that was
awful! The folks were so much wiser that I." I have used the strategy on
several occasions and it always seems to work. For the nervous folks, I say
write it down so you know what should be done. Makes them feel better, and
they never look back. Wonderful.

ho

Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, Maryland   20845
Phone 301-365-2093

Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hhowen/index.htm
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-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Elwin and
Joan
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 5:06 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: is it still open?

Kerry said:
>"I do not like the idea of sponsors saying ahead of time what is and
>what is not possible BEFORE an event even happens. So, we never
discuss >them unless they are raised."

I do find something very useful in dealing with the sponsor's "givens"
however, and that is what I gain from listening to them.

Typically I hold a round table meeting with the sponsoring powers
(sometimes the night before the event). I announce that I want them,
one at a time, to inform me about what they expect.

After they have all spoken, I repeat, in summarized fashion, what each
has told me.  Then I ask them if they are satisfied that I clearly
understood their expectations.  After they all say yes, I state that
what they expect is NOT what they will get! Rather, they will get
something that they will view as far better. "Something" that will
surprise everyone. Finally, I say, when it's over, if you don't agree
don't pay me!

The process of listening to them is what I draw on in Opening Space. It
provides me with a seemingly "true" sense of what is going on in their
minds as well as in the minds of the participates.  I wouldn't do it
any other way.


=====
Elwin Guild
Future Development International
Baltimore

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