[OSList] 5th Principle Modification
Harrison Owen
hhowen at verizon.net
Tue Jun 14 06:00:13 PDT 2011
Zelle - this one is a gem! Thank you!! I love the way you carefully work
your way through some very intricate bits and pieces. Time/Place/Person -
three interlinked and mutually defining elements. Part of the magic of any
OS event for me is the way this trinity coalesces for each individual
(people feel their personhood with intensity) and for the group (The People
do the same). Lord knows what the mechanism might be, and at some level -
Who cares? But it is fascinating. Thanks!
Harrison
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD 20854
USA
189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
Camden, Maine 20854
Phone 301-365-2093
(summer) 207-763-3261
www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com (Personal Website)
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From: oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org
[mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Zelle Nelson
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 12:39 AM
To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
Subject: Re: [OSList] 5th Principle Modification
Yes, I love the 5th Principle and it's modification)! As seen from the eyes
of a geographer (that's me):
A geographer looks at people doing all sorts of living (economic, political,
social, cultural, natural world/environment impacting, etc.) across space
and in place to see how the differences in the terrain and character of a
place, the boundaries, barriers, and connection points of a place, along
with the people of a place, vary and are the same from place to place and
why certain activities flourish and others get snuffed out because of the
DNA and personality of a place.
Space and place are two very different animals, even if they share some
similar characteristics. Space is generic and malleable. Place is a
character and impactful. So when we invoke place, i invite us to do so
thoughtfully.
One thing we've noticed as geographers is that put the same people and
historical situation into two very different places and different parts of
who we are emerge. A different part of my personality comes out in a pub, in
a church, in a park, or in a parking lot full of cars. What we've come to
understand is that not only the character of a place, but especially the
boundaries, barriers and connection points of a place make a BIG difference
as to what happens in any particular place.
When I first heard about Open Space, as told to me second hand from a woman
who had just heard about it from Michael Herman back in 1997, I was
mesmerized. How had someone understood so simply and eloquently how the
make-up of a place can impact the conversation, and then moved the
boundaries, reduced as much as possible the barriers, and multiplied the
connection points to such a degree that free flow of conversation, passion
and responsibility transformed a space and a place into an amazing conflux
of the ordinary and the extraordinary? It was beautiful and it was music to
my ears. I was hooked.
What are the elements that make Open Space work?
Invitation
the Marketplace of Ideas
The big circle, then the little circles, returning to the big circle
the law of two feet
The principles
The 2 elements of Open Space that are specifically related to place are, the
Marketplace of Ideas, and the circles. Without these 2 elements we would
have a much different experience.
For me, "Wherever it happens is the right place." feels much more
comfortable. Each Wherever can be transformed to Open Space, by moving some
tables (or standing on top of them), inviting spirit, and thus changing the
barriers. Meeting in circles and adding a marketplace of ideas transforms
the boundaries and connection points. And thus, Wherever it happens is the
right place. We can transform a place to invite in spaciousness.
To me, the first choice or "thunk-ing" of words "Wherever it is, is the
right place." did not suit my geographer's mind, since wherever it is, in my
mind is not the "right" place - even if I'm happy it's breaking out.
Wherever it happens (creating circle, inviting spirit, etc.) does fit for
me. While any space can be transformed into the right place, each place in
and of itself does not invite space to flourish.
If we are to be practitioners and proponents of opening space, I believe we
need to encourage and be examples for the characteristics of place that
foster and grow space, like
. circles,
. reduction or elimination of barriers (think of removing tables and the
stating of the law and principles, thus eliminating cultural barriers),
. the marketplace of ideas,
. broad and open invitations
I wholeheartedly applaud each and every one of you for opening space and
remembering to share the very basics that make for a great stew!
That's what I think - Yay for "Wherever it happens, is the right place."
And thank you to everyone for holding space on this list for
conversations!!!!
with grace and love,
Zelle
Zelle Nelson
Know Place Like Home | Engaging the Soul at Work | Center for the State of
Grace Document
www.knowplacelikehome.com
www.engagingthesoulatwork.com
www.stateofgracedocument.com
zelle at knowplacelikehome.com
On Jun 12, 2011, at 5:38 PM, Harrison Owen wrote:
Guess folks? Words are slippery and it only gets better. I first "thunk" the
5th Principle as, "Wherever it is, is the right place." More than a little
awkward. L -- So much better:
"Wherever it happens is the right place."
Who knows?
Harrison
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD 20854
USA
189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
Camden, Maine 20854
Phone 301-365-2093
(summer) 207-763-3261
www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com (Personal Website)
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST
Go to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
From: oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org
[mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf OfHarrison Owen
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2011 5:31 PM
To: 'World wide Open Space Technology email list'
Subject: Re: [OSList] Sharing the pre-work of our New Jersey upcoming event
You got it! And it will be fantastic!! - Of course!!!
"Wherever it happens is the right place." This just could be the 300,001st
sighting of Space Opening. Carry on!
Harrison
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD 20854
USA
189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
Camden, Maine 20854
Phone 301-365-2093
(summer) 207-763-3261
www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com (Personal Website)
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST
Go to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
From: oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org
[mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf OfSuzanne Daigle
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2011 5:11 PM
To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
Subject: [OSList] Sharing the pre-work of our New Jersey upcoming event
Dear OS friends and colleagues:
So many times during this project, I have wanted to write to you to share
the exuberance, the challenges, the questioning, the commitment and the awe,
pride and admiration I have felt for everyone involved in the two-day
Creative New Jersey Open Space event scheduled to take place on June 14th
and 15th of this week. <http://creativenj.org/>
Check out the site http://creativenj.org/ and to witness what's happening
live this week. You can even twitter if you'd like. Just don't forget to
include #creativenj if you do tweet.
For Chuni Li and me, co-facilitators on this Open Space project with
Creative New Jersey, our work began a little over two months ago. For the
organizing host team, the Vision had started about 18 months ago.
A compelling white paper described the burning platform of a state (like
most across the country) facing enormous economic, social, cultural,
educational and environmental challenges. It spoke of a proud history of
innovation, creativity and success. Their goal was a Call to Action to spark
a movement that recognizes, fosters and sustains creativity and innovation
as catalysts for a vital, prosperous and sustainable New Jersey.
After an Open Space simulation, introduced as part of our pre-work, the
organizing committee agreed to go with an OS process. Then began the work
of creating an invitation which led to the theme question: "How can
Creativity and Innovation Revitalize New Jersey?" Excitement was building
with the committee though not without a certain degree of anxiety wondering
how we would attract a group of 150 diverse individuals to commit two full
days in mid-June. A weekly meeting schedule by conference call was
established with the Host Team taking the lead on most of the pre-work
assignments. With each passing week, the energy and enthusiasm kept
building. Chuni and I became resources, assisting and guiding with the
intention of not only helping them have a successful event but also
transferring knowledge about Open Space, the mechanics and the depth of this
self-organizing leadership process.
Mid-stream, we also decided to call upon Gerry Kirk, from the Scrum
Community, an avid supporter of Open Space, asking him to lead us on the
technology side. Chuni became his right arm person, avid to learn and do. A
host website with many simple tools was quickly created. Again the mission
was about transferring the learning to the New Jersey team of volunteers.
Now a few days before the event, the conversations are happening on line;
many participants have already posted their profiles and we know that the
site will be a welcoming place for blogs, live twitters, summary reports and
short videos to capture impressions and highlights during the event. It will
also serve as an important vehicle to continue the conversations afterwards
and to share ideas and engage action and to invite more people to join.
Initially the intent was that I would facilitate the event but in the course
of our preparations, a request came asking if we would agree to have Larry
Capo, one of the leads on this project, facilitate. For a split second I
hesitated but then quickly agreed that yes, this was the way to go. Now as I
listen to Larry counseling others on our weekly conference calls saying
"whatever happens, happens", "letting go is what we need to do " or quoting
a passage in Harrison's Open Space Technology book, I know without a shadow
of a doubt that this was the right decision and that in a different and very
invisible way, I too will be holding space with him, working at the
newsroom.
Today, a diverse group of nearly 170 people have confirmed from business and
industry, education, arts and culture, science and technology, government,
communities, medical and pharmaceuticals, faith based, media and others.
As I reflect on what has happened these past few months, I can almost hear
Harrison's voice to us the facilitators of Open Space saying "one less thing
to do" is one more thing the clients can do for themselves. Chuni and I
have contributed in a different way, wrestling at times as it was not always
easy watching our clients struggle and work as hard as they have. In the
end, as we look forward to our upcoming event, I feel and hear the pride and
ownership of what has been achieved to date and I can only imagine how
wonderful and great it will be when we get to the end of the closing circle
"when it's over, it's over". Of course, we will know that it's really just
the beginning . of a transformative change to revitalize New Jersey.
There are no words to express the joy at the emergent collaboration of
working with this wonderful team. Wish us all luck and please hold the space
for us and with us. Thank you Harrison for your wise counsel and support
along the way; Lisa Heft for your expert guidance on the simulation and
pre-work; and Diane Gibeault, my teacher and friend, for the opportunity to
ponder deeply together and to exchange ideas in Ottawa last week and over
the phone.
Suzanne (with Chuni Li)
--
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
twitter @suzannedaigle
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