Using Open Space to Break Negitations Impasse

[Sheila Beauchemin]

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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