[OSList] 5th Principle Modification

Zelle Nelson zelle at knowplacelikehome.com
Tue Jun 14 14:58:27 PDT 2011


Harrison,

I love the magic too! It makes life fun and fascinating!

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 14, 2011, at 9:00 AM, Harrison Owen wrote:

> 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)
> 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 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. 
> 
> 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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