SV: Power, hierarchy, and OS

[Thomas Herrmann]

...and I really like how well you (HO) have described people sitting in a
circle for an OS-meeting - sitting at the edge of chaos - I really think
that is true - and it does something to hierarchies of all sorts.

I get these questions once in a while too, based on assumptions that this or
that group might not be there on equal terms. My experience is that those
who are most engaged and most willing to take responsibility are often the
ones, people/sponsors least expect... 

Had the question yesterday, planning an OS with culture workers, teachers
and politicians, where the assumption was that culture workers are more
creative and would take the space - the whole one.... 
And if teachers and politicians are not willing to stand up, that's their
choice - and I don't think they give in that easy...

Then I always invite the leaders to be patient and not bring up topics the
very first.
Cheers
Thomas

-----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
Från: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] För Harrison Owen
Skickat: den 27 november 2009 21:00
Till: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Ämne: Re: Power, hierarchy, and OS

Jon -- I know I shouldn't say "never" -- but truthfully I have never seen a
problem of the sort you are talking about. I remember some years ago doing
an Open Space for the senior 300 folks in the US Forest Service. Nice
fellows, but definitely quasi military. Everything happened just like usual
(Circle, Bulletin Board, Market, Go to work). However, in the short time
before people left the main room for their sessions, I ran into Dale, the
Chief of the Forest Service wandering around like a lost teenager. Seems he
had posted a session and nobody signed up. He wasn't angry -- just sort of
hurt. Tell me about the dissolution of formal authority in the warm
wonderful world of OS! Seems to work just about every time!! 

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 Raffi
Aftandelian
Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2009 9:58 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Power, hierarchy, and OS

jon, thanks for the question.

I look forward to fabulous lisa (heft) chiming in. she has shared some
valuable wisdom on this score.

The OS Idea Book (an excellent resource!) she put together- reflecting
wisdom from the OSlist and practitioners from all over this tiny piece of
solar drift- includes a sample sheet to give to managers inviting a quality
of participation that makes possible a more level playing field.

When I first saw the sheet, I was a little surprised. But on second thought,
it seemed like an excellent type of document to circulate prior to an OST
meeting to invite a higher quality of overall participation...

warmly,
raffi

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