Fwd: Themes & topics?

[Michael Herman]

this came to me instead of us...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Larry Peterson <larry at spiritedorg.com>
Date: Aug 28, 2005 6:17 PM
Subject: Re: Themes &  topics?
To: mherman at globalchicago.net


I strongly agree with Harrison & Michael (I think).  Generating a theme
for an event that will be powerful has some elements or characteristics.

--It is a question that focuses a "possibility" space
--It is "appreciative"
--It is and is perceived to be a real performance challenge -- not just
something someone would like to do
--It is something that enough people "want" to deal with, talk about,
develop progress on - so that they decided to come and be present.
--It is best developed with those who are sponsoring the Open Space.  I
spend the most important time of planning working with the sponsor to
identify a theme for which they have some real passion.  Finding the
words, at this point, is important.  I usually let this happen over more
than one planning meeting.  I ask the sponsor to test the key ideas with
some potential participants to ensure it will evoke energy.  The key
words of the theme usually emerge until there is an ah ha -- a felt
experience that we have it.
--If the facilitator is part of the sponsor group, then it really needs
to be tested to see if it is meeting folks needs or the facilitators
needs.

Some quick ideas.

Larry

Larry Peterson
Associates in Transformation
Toronto, ON, Canada
416.653.4829

larry at spiritedorg.com
www.spiritedorg.com





-- 

Michael Herman
Executive Facilitator
http://www.michaelherman.com

Getting the most important things done, 
in the easiest possible ways.

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