Testing with an Open Space story

[Suzanne Daigle]

*Testing if my posting (via gmail account) goes through this time with an
Open Space story; thx Michael for your work on this.  Like Lisa, Diane
Gibeault and others, my posts have not been going through these past few
months.*

A few weeks ago, I was referred a client by one of my business partners.  A
president of a family-owned mid-size business wanted to have a retreat
meeting with family members working for the business (sons, son-in-law,
others) and others, not working for the company who he felt were
interconnected with its success through their support (spouses, children,
and others).  In total a group of 12 who were on vacation at Disney World, a
few hours away from my home.

I suggested Open Space.  We came up with a simple theme: My Company, My
Family, My Life and My Future.  We created an enticing invitation with a few
thought-provoking questions.   I stopped in briefly the night before to
introduce myself in person.  I had spoken with the President, his
14-year-old daughter and 13-year-old nephew discussing how they would be
welcoming the group and how the host would describe the context and purpose
of the gathering.  Everyone was very nice though it felt a little awkward as
I could feel their questions and the touch of nervousness that happens when
people wonder “what the heck will this meeting be about; who is this person
anyway and will I need to talk in front of everybody?”

I drove home that night thinking WOW, will this really work?  I quickly went
through Harrison’s ideal conditions for an Open Space: issue of major
concern, high levels of complexity, diversity, actual or potential conflict,
and urgent decision time of yesterday.  *Ouch*, except for diversity none of
these really applied.!  Then somehow, deep inside myself, I said, it worked
with my family when we did Open Space at Christmas, it will work with
theirs. They’ll have an opportunity to have intimate conversations with
everyone equal sitting in circle. We’ll be opening space and time so they
can hear each other in different ways, not according to their family roles,
work roles or age,  but as unique individuals with their own thoughts,
feelings and dreams.  That’s how I would open the circle.

As usual, I should not have worried. From the moment I walked into their
rented house, I had an army of people helping set up the rooms, the posters,
the circle, everything. So much laughter and brimming enthusiasm. Then, what
a gift it was to see the topics emerge (14 in all) and to hold the space as
they jumped into their conversations huddled in small groups then gathering
in large groups as they became bumble bees. I felt the spirit of play and
the intensity of their sharing.  I had set up a news room and WOW, they
typed no less than reports generated from 3 sessions of 1 hour each. I
quietly took photos, and then sometimes went outside wanting to leave them
their privacy as I felt them discovering each other in new ways. The timid
13 year old was coming into his own, all age groups (parents, kids, spouses,
nephews, etc) sitting on the floor or sprawled on chairs totally engaged –
no status, no experts, no set roles just family sharing in new and different
ways. I had introduced them to a talking piece that they could use during
their discussions knowing from previous experience with my family that
sometimes the adults (moms and dads) talk too much.  It seemed to work. The
closing circle was touching and when I got home that night, looking at all
the photos, I knew that magic had happened again. The next day, I pulled
together their photo album capturing the theme, the basic principles of Open
Space and the 4 principles of life (and Law of 2 feet) that they had been
exposed to along with the special images of that day and all their printed
reports. It would anchor the experience and leave them with a cellular
memory of this gathering capturing in the moment expressions and
emotions.They had shared dreams, talked about work, family and life.

Yes opening space, everywhere and anywhere is what I want to do and will do.
And it feels so wonderful to be able to share these simple stories here in
our Open Space community.  Hope it goes through.   :-}

Hugs to all, Suzanne




-- 
Suzanne Daigle
NuFocus Strategic Group
7159 Victoria Circle
University Park, FL 34201
FL 941-359-8877;
CT 203-722-2009
www.nufocusgroup.com
s.daigle at nufocusgroup.com

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