When is the Open Space starting to be open?

[Marc Steinlin (I-P-K)]

[[ I'm not sure, I have sent this message 5 days ago, did it go  
through? Anyway, I try again, just in case it didn't... ]]


Dear all,

I have a question: I have been opening space with 120 people yesterday  
at the ILO Training Centre in Turin as part of a larger conference. I  
have observed something (for the second time), that I would like to  
have your advice on.

I am explaining people how it works, including the principles and the  
law - very briefly, 10-15 minutes. Then I invite people to nominate  
topics and step away. And then I feel that they already start living  
the law of the two feet - immediately - before the first topic is  
announced. They stand up, start talking, walk away, get coffee,  
whatsoever...

I am torn between a) accepting and trusting that they know what to do  
and b) asking them to stay calm until we open the market place.

I understand, that they already at this stage start discussing what  
topics to suggest - they anticipate the market and start exploring and  
discussing on issues - not a bad thing (it starts whenever it's the  
right time...).

Usually they themselves come back to a self-established order and calm  
after some time - maybe 5-10 minutes. But in particular I feel sorry  
for those participants who make a start, ie. make the first  
announcements of topics, but nobody listens - and everybody misses  
those.

What is your thinking and experience? How do you deal with this?

Cheers and thanks in advance!
-marc



IngeniousPeoplesKnowledge
Marc Steinlin
marc.steinlin at i-p-k.ch
Skype: marcsteinlin

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‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can  
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’  
Margaret Mead


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