Using Open Space to Break Negitations Impasse

[Harrison Owen]

Sheila -- sounds to me that you are well past the need for training wheels.
And if you still have them attached -- could be now is the time to take them
off. As for OS in High Conflict situations -- I think that is really what it
was built for. If you want some stories, check out the opening tale at the
start of The User's Guide. 250 state and federal bureaucrats and a large
group of Native Americans, all trying to deal with the issue of Roads on
tribal lands. HOT ISSUE. And there was $1.5 billion riding on the outcome.
Or see http://openspaceworld.com/opening_space_for_peace.htm for a small
gathering in Rome with 50 Palestinians and Israelis. 

And everything works the same way it always does. It is just a little more
exciting. So my major suggestion for you, if you choose to do it, is --
don't forget to breath. Taking care of yourself before, during and
afterwards is possibly the most important thing you will do. I have no idea
how you prepare yourself before an Open Space, but for myself, particularly
if I know it will definitely be a "white knuckle" affair -- my preparation
starts a few hours before with some serious meditation. And during the
gathering when I feel the need (and be sure to listen to your feelings of
need!) just get out of there, take a long walk, even a nap. You will know
when the time is right -- and when it is make a break for freedom. This may
sound real selfish -- and it is and it isn't. The only way you can be of
full service to the people who have entrusted their organization, and maybe
also their lives, to you is to be fully present and simultaneously -- fully
detached. That really never happens, but you can come close -- and even
closer -- if you are prepared. Above everything else, Take a deep breath! 

When it is all over -- write it all down. Won't help the client a bit, but
you will learn an incredible amount about yourself, perhaps more than you
ever wanted to know. In similar situations I can honestly say that nothing
has ever taken me to my edges (and beyond) more completely. I grew in ways I
could never have anticipated, and some serious reflection at the end will
ensure that you harvest some of the learning.

Have Fun!

Harrison 

Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, Maryland   20854
Phone 301-365-2093
Skype hhowen
Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com 
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website www.ho-image.com 
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-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Sheila
Beauchemin
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 4:54 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Using Open Space to Break Negitations Impasse

Hi again,

I have a client that is involved in negotiations around a multi-million 
dollar project.  Negotiations between the parties have broken down and 
discussions are now in the hands of lawyers and really not going anywhere 
anytime soon.  There are of course, lots of small "p" politics involved.

I have been working with this client on other related issues around policy 
development and program frameworks but in the course of discussion this 
impasse in conversation came up.  I mentioned that possibly what is needed 
is an opportunity to step aside from the current focus of discussions and 
provide some space to take talk about the issue in a different forum.  
There was some interest in this notion and now of course I am wondering 
what door I have likely naively opened given what a neophite I am in the 
open space world.

What words of caution can you provide related to using OS in highly 
conflictual situations?
When would you say it can be used/should be used?
Are there any special considerations and/or preparations?
Is it presumptious of me to think I can do this?  Should I really just 
refer this client to someone with deep OS experience and not think about 
attempting such a thing when I feel I still have my OS training wheels on?

Any advice or experiences you can share would be appreciated.

Fond regards, Sheila

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