elevator speech

[Michael Herman]

might be too late for this question, but we do have a number of
'elevator speeches' posted at

http://www.openspaceworld.org/wiki/wiki/wiki.cgi?OpenSpaceElevatorSpeeches


On Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:28:33 -0700, Spady's <ejespady at mydurango.net> wrote:
>
> Robin,
> I, too, am interested in some advice on how to briefly explain OS to
> clients...especially in writing.  Thank you so much for sharing this blurb
> that you wrote.  It's great!  :-)
>
> I do find something a bit confusing though.  You state: "Open Space meeting
> is highly structured through the capacity of self organization."  Isn't it
> sort of an oxymoron to use "highly structured" and "self organization" in
> the same sentence...? or Highly structured with regards to anything that is
> OS?
>
> I'm curious to know others thoughts on this...
> Judy
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Robyn S Berkessel
> To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2005 12:48 PM
> Subject: Re: elevator speech
>
>
> Christine,  I concocted this to email to a banking executive this week.  It
> is a combination of words from Michael Hermann and Chris Corrigan (from and
> some of Harrison's recent musings.  Hope it is helpful.  I also welcome
> feedback from anyone.  Regards, Robyn.
>
>
>
>
> What is Open Space Technology?
>
> Open Space Technology is a simple and highly effective meeting method that
> enables groups of people to deal with issues constructively and speedily.
>
>
>
> Five Preconditions for Open Space
>
> ·         Real issues of concern
>
> ·         Diversity of players
>
> ·         Complexity of elements
>
> ·         Presence of passion
>
> ·         Decision time was yesterday.
>
>
>
> In Open Space meetings, participants create and manage their own agenda of
> parallel working sessions around a central theme of strategic importance.
>
>
>
> There are Four Principles of Open Space
>
> ·         Whoever comes is the right people
>
> ·         Whatever happens is the only thing that could have
>
> ·         Whenever it starts is the right time
>
> ·         When it's over, it's over.
>
>
>
> There is One Law of Open Space
>
> ·         The Law of Two Feet -  if you find yourself in a situation where
> you are neither learning nor contributing, use your two feet.
>
>
>
> Open Space meeting is highly structured through the capacity of self
> organization.  Those who care, and are prepared to take responsibility for
> change, step up and drive the change agenda with an energy and commitment
> that no imposed management–driven design could prescribe.
>
> What will happen?
>
> We never know exactly what will happen when we open the space for people to
> do their most important work, but we can guarantee these results when any
> group gets into Open Space:
>
> ·         All of the issues that are MOST important to the participants will
> be raised.
>
> ·         All of the issues raised will be addressed by those participants
> most qualified and capable of getting something done on each of them.
>
> ·         In a time as short as one or two days, all of inputs and plans for
> immediate action will be documented in one comprehensive report -- finished,
> printed and in the hands of participants when they leave.
>
> ·         The meeting duration depends on the number of people and issues
> they put on the agenda.   With groups of 5 to 2000 one-day workshops or,
> three-day conferences, the results are powerful and effective
>
> Impact of Open Space
>
> It all begins with an invitation
>
> ·         Palpable passion
>
> ·         Voluntary responsibility and accountability for issues of concern
>
> ·         Connection at all levels across all divides
>
> ·         Opening of the mind and heart
>
> ·         Energy for change and action
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "In the 20 year period since 1985 when I created Open Space, it has been
> used in excess of 60,000 times in 108 countries with groups ranging in size
> from 5 – 2000.  Typical applications have included such things as strategic
> and tactical planning for Rockport Shoes Inc – in which some 400 employees
> established goals and directions for their company in addition to developing
> a totally new product and redesigning their inventory system. All of this
> was accomplished in 2 days, and except for the opening and closing of the
> event there was absolutely no intervention by the facilitator (me) at any
> time. The people did it all by themselves.
>
>
>
> In another case, some 2008 German Psychiatrists gathered for a single day's
> event intended to synthesize their collective learning at the conclusion of
> their biannual conference and further build the common body of knowledge. In
> all they created 236 working groups in about half an hour, self-managed the
> entire process and produced a book of proceedings as a record of their
> effort.
>
>
>
> In the United States, a much smaller group (23) of architects, technicians,
> and executives completely re-designed the AT&T Olympic Pavilion for the 1996
> Olympics. They essentially started with a blank sheet of paper, and at the
> conclusion of 2 days had a totally new design down to the level of working
> architectural drawings for the $200,000,000(US) project. Once again the
> group did it all without outside intervention."
>
>
>
> Harrison Owen, esteemed creator of Open Space
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Christine
> Whitney Sanchez
> Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2005 1:58 PM
> To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> Subject: elevator speech
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have been given 5 minutes, at a meeting next week, to "brief" 300 CEO's
> about Open Space.  Do you have a favorite elevator speech that has helped
> people understand the essence and application of OS?  I'm especially eager
> for any thoughts about the relationship between OS and governance.
>
> Thanks in advance, for anything you can share.
>
>
> Christine
>
> Christine Whitney Sanchez
> Triune Milagro, LTD
> 480.759.0262
> VISIT OUR WEBSITE:  www.triunemilagro.com
>
> Invoking the wisdom and capacity of the human spirit!
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--
Michael Herman
Michael Herman Associates
http://www.michaelherman.com
...inviting people and whole organizations into movement

Small Change News Network
http://www.smallchangenews.org
...linking active givers and gifted activists to make a bigger difference

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