use of OST in resolving workplace conflicts

[Harrison Owen]

Sure. OS and workplace conflicts go together like horses and carriages. As a
matter of fact, OS and conflicts of all sorts are naturals. From where I
sit, the central gift of OS is the enabling of Peace. And Peace in my
understanding is never the elimination of chaos, confusion, and conflict --
but rather the inclusion and transcendence of all three. Perhaps a little
more than you wanted or needed, but after all I did write a book on the
subject (The Practice of Peace) see www.openspaceworld.com Of course, having
written a book confers no validity to the opinions, but I don't think I am
alone. Anyhow, I would think that OS would be a first choice. I am not sure
I would start with Story Telling, however. Sounds to me like they have
already been telling a whole mess of stories! They need to get into
meaningful conversation. Ergo: Get right into Open Space, first thing in the
morning. And when it comes to a theme, I would not focus on the conflict --
but rather the broader context. Something like: "What are the issues and
opportunities for creating a program that works for everybody -- management,
staff, and clients?" And if everybody is really hot under the collar I think
one day would just get you started. Two days are essential. Or certainly 1
and 1/2 days.

Harrison 

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

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 Raffi
Aftandelian
Sent: Saturday, October 08, 2005 8:16 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: use of OST in resolving workplace conflicts

Greetings all!
An opportunity has come up where I am not sure OST would be ideal.

An international NGO is partner with a Russian NGO and together they
implement a youth education project. This project has been very
successful but the Russian staff are in a conflict with management of
the project, which include both a Russian and an American.

Would OST be the method to use here if the number of people coming to
a potential OST meeting would not total more than 10?

Another way of posing the question, is have you used OST as a way of
addressing and dealing with through workplace conflicts?

I was thinking that as a design for such a situation an evening of
storytelling and a day in OS.

I will be meeting with the staff in the coming weeks to get a
firsthand picture of the situation.

Thank you,
Raffi

                          mailto:raffi at bk.ru

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