The Question(s)

[Harrison Owen]

Masud --The issue you raise is of course a real one. But for some reason, in my experience, it is mostly a theoretical one. This may be due in large part to the fact that in the early conversations with a client I am a great pains to insure the broadest possible representation. I Insist that the invitation be as broadly extended as possible. There may be some limitations because of physical space available, in which case my practice has been to make the guest list expansive and then set in motion an acceptance system based on "first come, first served." In one large Open Space that I did with Peggy Holman in a large US corporation (which was very troubled/conflicted) -- we actually issued the invitations in defined blocks according to the proportional representation of the skill/professional/geographic groups involved. Folks were given something like 48 hours to respond and invitations that were not accepted were returned to "the pool" and available to anybody who cared to come. It wasn't perfect, and it seemed to work. At least I never heard any complaints -- although maybe Peggy did. (Peggy ??). But more to the point, if there was a significant issue in the minds/hearts/soul of anybody anywhere in that company that did not show its head (ugly or beautiful) -- I never heard anybody say what it was. Which brings to mind another point. I am sure that there have been somewhere, some time, some individuals -- who felt excluded for some reason or another. Truthfully I feel sorry about that, but in terms of the end result, I am not really sure it makes that much difference. The reason is a simple one. If the issue felt by the one apparently excluded by faulty invitation or personal choice is a real, hot, juicy one -- you better believe that somebody will raise it. There are endless numbers of situations where the gossip said that if THAT issue were ever raised -- Heads would roll. Ordinarily that contraband issue is an "early appearer" -- despite all predictions to the contrary. 

I suppose it is now time to reveal my personal bias -- focus, or whatever. As much as I appreciate and support the rights, needs, and feelings of the individuals involved -- my focus is always on the group or organization. In another time and place I have confided to those who asked that in my opinion, Open Space was not to be confused with individual therapy -- although it is certainly true that may people have found it to be of enormous therapeutic value. But that is another story. Once I start working with a group or organization, I make it very clear that my personal concern is that the group or organization reach its highest possible level of effectiveness (however that may  be defined). At some level this requires profound respect for all the individuals involved. But there are also cases where some of the individuals involved probably need to seek alternate employment, or whatever. And for them the most useful outcome may well be to clearly understand that their current organization is simply not their cup of tea -- and it is time to move on. 

Harrison

 
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD  20854
USA
301-365-2093
207-763-3261 (summer)
website www.openspaceworld.com


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Masud Sheikh 
  To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU 
  Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2005 11:35 AM
  Subject: Re: The Question(s)


  Harrison Owen <hhowen at comcast.net> wrote:
  The ticket of admission is CARE --  Careing for The Question. And of
  course, those who care (enough) will be there -- which is why in my
  experience -- whoever comes are the right people. No ifs, ands, or buts.
  >
  This of course is making the HUGE ASSUMPTION that the host CARED enough to
  make the invitation truly inviting. This may have little to do with the
  words used in the invitation. The invitee may not feel invited if s/he
  finds inadequate empathy in the host, or the mix of other expected
  participants.

  As Pat Black said, the invitee may not participate precisely because s/he
  cares. Another "Open Space" (called by perhaps a different name) may be a
  better use of hir (him/her=hir) time. Put another way, the invitee may
  decide that the space is not the appropriate one for asking the question
  that matters to hir.
  Masud

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