Law of Two Feet

Fri Feb 16 05:04:46 PST 2007

Bui – I never said that I would use the 2X4, although I must confess that
there have been times when I was sorely tempted. My point was simply that
there are times when the universe speaks to us in terms that are quite
unmistakable and perhaps painful. Had the ruler of the universe consulted
with me, I might have had some alternate suggestions, but I wasn’t
consulted.

My real point is about the role of the facilitator in Open Space, or at
least my experience and understanding of that role over the past 20 years. I
have been in some pretty hot situations but I have never found it necessary
to intervene in any way. My job was to remain unattached and “hold that
space.” And in every instance the community rose to the occasion and dealt
with the hurts, pains, conflicts. Of greater importance they all learned
from that experience. First of all they learned that they could do it – no
need for outside assistance. They also learned that they had the
responsibility because nobody (certainly not me) was going to come in and
save them. 

I confess there are times when it gets very interesting. White knuckle so to
speak, but the folks have always come through, as long as they had the space
to work in. And my job was to make sure they had the space. If you want
something of the flavor of what I am talking about you might check out my
write up of a small gathering of 50 Palestinians and Israelis – who were
definitely not peaceniks. See –

http://openspaceworld.com/opening_space_for_peace.htm 

Harrison

Harrison Owen

7808 River Falls Drive

Potomac, Maryland   20854

Phone 301-365-2093

Skype hhowen

Open Space Training  <http://www.openspaceworld.com/> www.openspaceworld.com

Open Space Institute  <http://www.openspaceworld.org/>
www.openspaceworld.org

Personal website  <http://www.ho-image.com/> www.ho-image.com 

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-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Bui K.
Petersen
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2007 6:07 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: Law of Two Feet

This is what I was afraid of. I think is a situation where mediation would
be more effective. In conflict resolution we often say "all behaviour makes
sense". Empathy and compassion is usually more effective than a 2X4.

I want to add that the scenario I am thinking is not when the person in
question is a boss but more like a regular member of a community. It would
be unfortunate if someone chose to leave a community as a result of an OS
event. But perhaps there are other perspectives out there.

Búi

Harrison Owen wrote: 

“I wonder how empowering it is for the individual left behind?”

Well, if that “difficult” person was a command and control boss – it is
possible, though perhaps not likely, that he will learn something. Then
again, he might go and seek alternative employment. Or – all those folks he
was intimidating might do the same thing. Sometimes the universe has to hit
you on the side of the head with a 2X4 just to get your attention. Painful,
but effective.

Harrison

Harrison Owen

7808 River Falls Drive

Potomac, Maryland   20854

Phone 301-365-2093

Skype hhowen

Open Space Training  <http://www.openspaceworld.com/> www.openspaceworld.com

Open Space Institute  <http://www.openspaceworld.org/>
www.openspaceworld.org

Personal website  <http://www.ho-image.com/> www.ho-image.com 

OSLIST: To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives
Visit:  <http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html>
www.listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html

-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Bui K.
Petersen
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2007 2:31 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: Law of Two Feet

Thanks for the reassurance, Jack.

However, I am not as concerned about the to the topic and the conversation
as I am with the affect on the "difficult" individual. While it may be
empowering for people to simply leave an unfruitful conversation, I wonder
how empowering it is for the individual left behind?

Búi

Jack Ricchiuto wrote: 

Bui,

This does happen and can hurt the development of content around an otherwise
attractive topic. If the self-organizing soil of the group is fertile
enough, people will continue the conversation in different places and in
different ways, the way water will flow around rocks to whatever openings
available. When people with passion are given freedom, good things happen no
matter what. 

Translation: not to worry.

Be well,

Jack

On 2/15/07, Bui K. Petersen <bui at buildconsensus.ca
<mailto:bui at buildconsensus.ca> > wrote: 

As someone who is still just learning and trying to find out how and when
OST can be used, I am curious about people's experience with the effect the
Law of Two Feet can have on irritating dominating personalities. Say for
example that someone is dominating a group and practically annoying everyone
else with the result of them using their two feet and leaving. How does this
affect the person left behind? I have some concerns about what could happen
to this person but before I mention them, I am interested to hear what
others have experienced.

Curious!

Búi

-- 

-- 

Búi K. Petersen, Cert. ConRes.
mediator and facilitator
-------------------------------- 
c.solutions 
Vancouver, B.C. Canada 
Phone: 604.724.4954
Web: www.buildconsensus.ca

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