SV: Holding space in the small group

[Catherine Pfaehler]

Doug, this has happened to me in the last OSonOS in Berlin. I was torn
between formulating my thoughts (Swiss people are slower when speaking the
written German language than Germans!) and wanting to listen what others
said, because I found it so interesting. By the time my frustration overgrew
the interest in the others' statements, the time for the workshop was over.
So I was left with the question of how to make sure I get time for speaking
when the discussion is fast and very engaged. Great that you bring this up
now.

The only answer I could come up with was to ask for a talking / listening
stick to be used - or that everybody breathes in and out once after somebody
has spoken before continuing.

Love, Catherine

Catherine Pfaehler Senn
Open Space Begleitung & Coaching
Kellersriedweg 8
CH - 2503 Biel
+41-(0)32 - 365 68 41
c.pfaehler at bluewin.ch


-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: douglas germann [mailto:76066.515 at compuserve.com] 
Gesendet: Montag, 5. März 2007 02:11
Betreff: Re: SV: Holding space in the small group

Thomas--

Thank you for your response. I particularly liked your point that we try
to give each person an opening to bring their voice into the circle.

One thing I noticed from the OSonOS in Halifax was that in most groups
it was easy to bring one's voice into the circle. However, there was one
group with about 25 participants and it became difficult for all but the
3 or 4 persons who spoke up the fastest or most.

Have you noticed the same thing? When you are in a group of this nature,
and are a regular participant, what do you do to try to open the space
more, or hold the space?

			:- Doug. Germann

On Fri, 2007-03-02 at 00:29 +0100, Thomas Herrmann wrote:
>  Dear Doug
> In my OS-meetings I always provide a little paper for the conveners to
bring
> to their group, inviting to start with a round, like your point A and
> actually also finishing with a round.

> ....

> it is an extraordinarily good way to get everyone to
> use their voice, check in and get an interest in listening to each other
by
> hearing so many different perspectives at once.
> 
> I´ve actually been to small groups where I never felt invited to share my
> thoughts - during OS-meetings - actually OSonOS´s

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