Open Space Learning Report - Mini OS for non-profit (longish)

[Wendy Farmer-O'Neil]

Open Space Learning Report - Mini OS for Non-Profit Board, Staff and
Volunteers

 

I just finished a mini OS for a non-profit.  I am typing this up on the
ferry on my way home.  Once again I thought of you all as I was moving
chairs and sticking tape.  One of the differences with this organization is
that they are not as interested in the process as the other groups I work
with.  Most of my other clients are wanting to integrate OS and appreciative
practice into their daily work, while this group has just embraced the
Carver model as a radical and positive step forward.  So I really appreciate
their trust in me and their willingness to embrace something so far from
their comfort zone.  So, of course, I was interested to see if there would
be a difference.  And I can say now, nope--not really.

 

My other design challenge was a lousy cold that showed up last night-sore
throat, stuffy nose, fever.ah well.took as much medicine as I felt was safe
not to make me stupid and went out there (no whining!).  Discovered that
having to sneak off to the bathroom to blow your nose and wash your hands is
a great way to be invisible :-)  

 

Design:  Sponsor wanted a demonstration OS to introduce OS to Board in
preparation for a one day OS visioning session in October.  In other words-
quelling the queasies.

 

2.75 hours total, 45 min for opening and agenda setting, two 45 minute
conversations, half hour for closing and debrief/questions. (Thanks to Larry
P. for the inspiration.) 

 

What happened:  24 people posted 19 topics (they combined some) created
about 10 pages of report (handwritten notes posted on breaking news wall).
It worked.  Just like always.  

 

This was a passionate group.  They jumped up from their seats and started
posting topics right away.  I had a feeling this group would be
enthusiastic.  They have a lot of passion for what they do and are
incredibly dedicated.  

 

The feedback was very positive.  They got a better sense of the whole
organization.  The director was able to gain insight into where there were
gaps in understanding and communication-useful information for her.  They
felt supported by each other, appreciated, all voices got heard, they had
fun.  Oh yah, and another very cool thing.the director, in the closing
circle, stated that one of her goals for this process was to see spirit come
back to the organization, and that she felt it had begun to return with
tonight's process.  Hurrah for Open Space!

 

And I've never seen a rush for the talking stick before. As I said, one
passionate bunch.  

 

Learning:

As a demonstration it worked very well.  They got an actual taste of OS,
rather than a presentation.  We used a real topic that they all had real
passion for.  I used the analogy of the ice cream store, where they give you
one of those little spoons to have a taste and how that's different from a
big bowl.  We had a little spoonful of open space and next month we will
have the bowl full.  

 

They expressed the desire to take something forward from the discussions,
which again just reinforced for me the importance of including some kind of
next step, into the world process as a grounding for even short (one-day)
OS's.  And it got me wondering about the possibilities of making that happen
even in mini's like this one.  Closing round question could do it.  Any
other experiences or thoughts?  

 

Photos are here:  http://flickr.com/photos/89394054@N00/sets/988835/ 

 

(Also, Photos from previous, in Prince George are here:
http://flickr.com/photos/89394054@N00/sets/939548/ 

 

Cheers all.off for my hot toddy.

Love,

Wendy

 

 

 


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