How do I get 8 groups to start cooperate?

[Harrison Owen]

This is a tough one! Simply issue an invitation to anyone who might care
about this big new project (that’s anyone – not just the official department
types). Theme: Issues and opportunities for ensuring the success of Project
X. Then (listen carefully) Sit in a circle, create a bulletin board, open a
market place and go to work. Two days later (or better 2 ½ days) you will
find that every single issue than anybody cared about was on the table. All
discussed and reported upon, and actions and action teams identified and
ready to work. Then again it could be that everyone agreed that the project
was less than useful. Probably something of a shock but it would definitely
save a lot of time and energy – to say nothing of money. No need for
“exercises, etc.” If you want cooperation, don’t talk about it – just do it.
Which simply means opening a suitable time/space and invite those who care.
I can’t say it will never  fail (never say never!) but after 25 years with
multiple situations it’s worked just fine so far. Have fun.

 

Harrison

 

Harrison Owen

7808 River Falls Dr.

Potomac, MD 20854

USA

Phone 301-365-2093

www.openspaceworld.com

www.ho-image.com (Personal Website)

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From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Michael
Jensen
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 5:17 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: How do I get 8 groups to start cooperate?

 

Hi everybody,

 

I have really enjoyed reading the conversations in this list and all wisdom
there is out there.  now I have a problem and maybe someone can help....

 

I'm going to work with a group of 20 leaders from 8 differnt units for 2
days. They are in the beginning of a big project and one of the key success
factor is that this units,cooperate and they have to use all the different
competens to get ahead. There must be a flow between them, no hidden agenda,
no defense behavoir. 

 

This is a new situation for them. They have not cooperate on that level
before. They don't even know each other. 2 of the units  have been set the
frame for the project and some others feel that they are excluded. A nice
start : )

 

The purpose of these 2 days is that they feel that everyone is a part of the
project and that everyone is important. That everyone know how everyone can
contribute. That the roles are clear and that they have found a way how to
cooperate in a realistic way. 

 

Do someone out there have some good idées of process, methods, exercises to
work with the HOW to cooperate, and clarify the borders between the groups.
They have also problem with the communication - if they don't get
information, they feel excluded...

 

I think we also have work with:

Get a common vision and purpose of the project.

Values in the group, what they are and what they should be.

Dont' we? But in this area I feel more safe. : ) 

 

 

//best regards Mich J, Berlin

 

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