Proximity and Open Space after presentations

[Steve Woodall]

Yes. I see that. I understand that. This is what makes this particular space valuable. Thank you so much.
Steve
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Joelle Lyons Everett 
  To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU 
  Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2006 2:09 PM
  Subject: Re: Proximity and Open Space after presentations


  Steve--

  I read Catherine's sentence (What would the risks be if we opened space and it wasn’t certain to be safe?) somewhat differently than you did.  I thought she was referring to a situation where the supposedly Open Space did not feel safe for participants.

  This is why seasoned OS facilitators stress the importance of prework with the organization, getting to know the organization well enough to discover whether top managers are prepared to be surprised, or whether they know in advance what outcomes they will accept.

  It is possible that opening space in an organization that is not really open to it could damage my professional credibility and the reputation of Open Space as a way of working.  But my first concern is that participants who speak their own truth in Open Space will not be punished in some way for that truth, and that participants not be asked for ideas which management has no intention of using.

  I opened space with one organization which was facing major restructuring, and most of the participants felt that the meeting was just "for show," that the decisions had already been made (which was not true, but I can see where that feeling came from).  There were lots of conversations the first day, but participants were very guarded, not much creative work.  At the beginning of the second day, one of the participants addressed this issue directly, requesting that one of the managers sit down with him and answer the questions that were hanging unasked.

  Most of the participants chose to be part of this conversation.  The convenor was straightforward with his questions, but never attacking.  The director, sitting on the floor in the circle, answered every question honestly and without defensiveness.  Someone got a flipchart and made notes of 
  "What we know about our situation."  It was a beautiful piece of work.  I sat on the sidelines and held space.  My only intervention came the night before, when I refused the director's request to design a different type of meeting for Day 2.  

  The rest of the day, the emotional climate was entirely different.  Conversations were both lively and creative, and many expressed gratitude in the closing circle for this opportunity.

  In answer to your last question, Steve, you should not be fearful.  In fact, courage is probably your most valuable contribution.  But sometimes Open Space is not appropriate for the situation.  You will learn from experience, so wade right in!

  Joelle Everett
  Sound Resources
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