Going underground as facilitator

Wed May 21 04:11:21 PDT 2008

Hello Marc.

My take on this, having worked with OS around the world since 1988, is that
it depends. There is no right answer. You need to trust your intuition.

Given the circumstances you describe, my feeling is that (1) it may well be
OK for you to take part in some or all of the sessions (you'll know one way
or the other when the moment comes), and (2) there's unlikely to be any
problem with having a cohort of facilitators, with different people handling
different parts of the event.

My one piece of advice is this: beware of experts, including this one. Every
situation is unique. Trust your instincts.

Wishing you success,

Jack

Jack Martin Leith
Bristol, United Kingdom
Mobile: 07831 840541 (+44 7831 840541)
Skype: jackmartinleith
email: jack at jackmartinleith.com
www.jackmartinleith.com

2008/5/21 Michael M Pannwitz <mmpanne at boscop.org>:

> Dear Marc,
> you can dish out and fully receive only if you are participant from A
> through Z. And you can hold time and space, be fully present for that and at
> the same time invisible best when you stay in the role of facilitator. So,
> it might be a good idea to have just one of you four be the facilitator (you
> never need more than one regardless of how large the group) or to hire a
> facilitator outside of your system ( I will come!!).
> I have experimented with all kinds of models. One of my "steady" clients,
> after having experienced me several times facilitating was very keen on
> providing faciliation from inside the system (very much like what you want
> to do)and having the faciliator be participant, too. We worked out an
> approach where two of the "insiders" teamed up with the idea that they would
> alternate the faciliation so that half of the time both could be either
> facilitator or participant. In addition, they hired me to coach them before,
> during and after the event. Of course, it worked and everybody learned a
> lot. Most important learning point: Never again because both of them felt
> torn and could not really fully be both facilitator and participant
> regardless of how much support system there was.
> What does work in settings where people are familiar with the process is
> that all are both facilitators and participants (its a bit like the role of
> leader in the "InterActive Organisation" where everybody "leads" and
> sometimes even as in an "Inspired Organisation" where nobody "leads"). We
> have been practicing this within our retreats (2,5 days twice a year for
> several years now, including action planning on day 3)where 7 to 10 of us
> get together in open space (all of us are facilitators with much experience
> with OST). It works well and it fits our needs. I think there are some other
> groups that meet in os regularly that have a similar practice. But this is
> very special in the sense of unusual "givens".
> In the example given we all pitch in setting up the open space, preparing
> the buffet, copying proceedings, managing all details in the ongoing
> process...the introduction is done by sitting in the circle, the principles
> etc. all posted around the room, its mostly silent but this or that is also
> verbalized and when that is over we start writing down our issues, announce
> them....etc.
> Have a great time
> mmp
>
>
> Marc Steinlin (I-P-K) wrote:
>
>> Dear OS list members,
>>
>> I have been following this list for almost two years now and have enjoyed
>> many of your conversations, learnings, ideas and inspirational thoughts!
>> Many thanks for all that valuable insight and encouragement!
>>
>> I myself over the last 2 years have organised/ facilitated approx. 20 OS
>> all over the world (from Switzerland to South Africa, from Indonesia to
>> Ethiopia), some as large as 70 participants (unfortunately I never had the
>> opportunity for a larger group - would love to try that!), some as small as
>> 5 persons - and I (as well as the participants!) enjoy it greatly each time!
>>
>> We, the KM4Dev (a global community of practice on Knowledge Management for
>> Development; http://www.km4dev.org) have decided to run this year's
>> annual meeting over 2.5 days entirely as an OS. We are about four persons
>> who have already facilitated OS and are preparing the facilitation of the
>> event.
>>
>> However, all of the four of us are also greatly interested in the topics
>> which will be discussed, it's certain that we also want to propose topics
>> for groups to work on. Therefore my question:
>>
>> Is it possible, that a facilitator opens the Open Space, but once the
>> market place starts, she/ he will transform into a regular participant and
>> mingle with the rest? I always attached great importance to "holding space"
>> - I have never been doing anything actively, I have done my best to get out
>> of the way, however I have been there, almost invisible, but still...
>> Do you have any experience or advice on whether the facilitator can give
>> up her/ his role and become a normal participant until to the closing
>> circle?
>> Alternatively, do you have any thoughts about rotating faciliators: person
>> A doing it on the first day, B on the second day, so that we all have the
>> opportunity to participate in the discussions with our own topics? I guess
>> none of us would want to limit her/ himself for the full duration to just
>> holding space...
>>
>> Your experience is much appreciated!
>> -marc
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> IngeniousPeoplesKnowledge
>> Marc Steinlin
>> marc.steinlin at i-p-k.ch
>> Skype: marcsteinlin
>>
>> PO Box 27494
>> Rhine Road
>> Sea Point
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>> Mobile: +27 (76) 222 81 12
>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>> change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
>>
>>
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