The challenge of "luminaries"

Sun Aug 19 07:08:01 PDT 2007

Sounds like perhaps the self-perceived "luminaries" ** need some extra 
shepherding, hand-holding, etc. Perhaps we need to translate the 
invitation to them by speaking with them directly. One of the things 
that the facilitator does imo is help people put aside preconceptions - 
perhaps this is harder for some, and it's valid to expend a little extra 
energy to help them "over the hump". However, it's VERY important that 
they still come of their own volition and contribute in the same pattern 
as everyone else.

We had some success with a member of the Quebec government at RoCoCo. He 
couldn't attend the Opening, though we tried to get him there. So, 
instead, when he arrived the 2nd day, he was quietly given a personal 
tour of the space, while the conference was in progress. He was SO 
impressed... but I think it was probably particularly helpful that a 
*facilitator* (i.e. someone sensitive to people's needs and perceptions) 
walked him around, inviting him to consider what was going on, helping 
frame it for him. Esther, I think you were involved with this, am I 
right? Could you offer some reflections on this?

** there are usually also luminaries who understand that they are "just 
folks" and have no trouble with Open Space ime (in my experience). They 
eat it up. At Agile2007 last week I floated the idea of a small 2-day 
"coaches' open space" preceding the actual conference in 2008. Everyone 
lit up when I mentioned it - particularly the leaders of the community! 
One "luminary" said "if you were running that across the street right 
now, I'd be over there, not over here". I asked "what's across the 
street?" he replied "I have no idea, but if you were running open space 
over there, I'd be there!" lol

By the way: this year the Open Space at the Agile conference had some 
creative changes - and was quite successful in the eyes of many, though 
I think we agree it could be even more so. I think it contributed a very 
special energy to the conference - thanks to Esther Derby and her 
collaborators.

deb

Michael M Pannwitz wrote:
> Dear Peggy,
> seems to me this is a good question for the sponsor (who is that in 
> this case?) and the Planning Group. If the sponsor manages to involve 
> a cross-section of all who are expected at the event (including the 
> "luminaries")to the Planning Meeting, these questions can be addressed 
> there.
> Of course, the invitation sent out by the sponsor can also point out 
> what you mentioned at the end of your mail, to EVERYBODY invited, that 
> is:listing the various possibilities for offering issues.
> Have a great Sunday
> greetings from Berlin
> mmp
>
> Peggy Holman wrote:
>> Along with Stephen Silha, I just completed an Open Space with 150
>> journalists.  Actually, it was a mix of mainstream journalists, media
>> educators and students, and citizen journalists.  It is the 5th
>> gathering of the "system of journalism" that Stephen and I have done
>> in the last 2 years.  It was also the largest.  Along with the size,
>> it brought a new twist to our journalism work.
>>
>> We have developed a positive reputation and as a result, attracted a
>> handful of people considered expert in the changing landscape of
>> journalism.  These "luminaries" are used to being on stage, the ones
>> others turn to as the experts.  And, while ego may be a factor for
>> some of them, they truly do bring particularly valuable insights.
>>
>> Following the conference, we head from one of them, who was quite
>> turned off by the whole experience. Here's an excerpt:
>>> Instead I was at a New Age, "open circle" conference where the
>>> questions were as flat and meaningless as possible so no one would
>>> feel excluded.
>>
>> Just so we don't dwell on this individual, a variation of this
>> luminary situation occurred with the Nexus for Change.  In that
>> examploe, I spoke with one of the "luminaries" who had originally
>> planned on attending.  She cancelled at the last moment because she
>> just didn't see a role for herself.  She described herself as a high
>> introvert and without a role, felt she would not be comfortable
>> there.
>>
>> So, here's my question:  these folks (even the ones with egos) have
>> gifts to offer.  What experiences have you had in creating conditions
>> where luminaries/elders/experts actually see a role for themselves
>> and make a productive contribution to an Open Space?
>>
>> (In retrospect, my current thought is to talk to them beforehand and
>> encourage them to post a session on a question they wish to explore
>> or, if they don't feel the others present are sophisticated enough
>> for their question (whether that is actually the case is an entirely
>> different question), at least post a session on a subject they
>> believe others would be interested in learning about from them.)
>>
>> thoughts?
>>
>> curiously, Peggy
>>
>> ________________________________ Peggy Holman The Open Circle Company
>>  15347 SE 49th Place Bellevue, WA  98006 (425) 746-6274
>>
>> www.opencirclecompany.com
>>
>>
>> For the new edition of The Change Handbook, go to: 
>> www.bkconnection.com/ChangeHandbook
>>
>> "An angel told me that the only way to step into the fire and not get
>> burnt, is to become the fire". -- Drew Dellinger
>>
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>
>
>
> Michael M Pannwitz, boscop eg
> Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin, Germany
> ++49-30-772 8000
> www.boscop.org   www.michaelmpannwitz.de
>
>
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-- 

Deborah Hartmann
Agile Process Coach
deborah.hartmann.net
mobile: 416 996 4337

"Learn the principle, 
abide by the principle, and 
dissolve the principle." 
-- Bruce Lee

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