[OSList] Open Space for just 2 hours and 10 people

[Leslie Zucker (Creative/DC)]

Hello everyone,
A quick update to let you know that my first Open Space (for 10 people and 2 hours) went really well!  Thanks to all of you for the virtual support – I could definitely feel it!  And, to the one and only Lisa Heft who was my first introduction to and trainer of Open Space, in San Francisco in 2008.

I had read the previous list-serve discussions about how sometimes small groups tend to stay together rather than divide into smaller groups, so I was ready to stand back and let it be, if that were to happen. Fortunately, the group did an amazing job of quickly generating about 14 topics, and then grouped a few so they were left with 10 topics, exactly the amount I had set up for.  They divided up and got started right away. Although they were small groups (of 2-3 usually), they were engaged and liberally applying the bumblebee concept – they liked that one!

In the closing circle there were a lot of positive comments, including one from the boss who had originally only allowed the two hours saying “I can see why a lot more time would be beneficial”.  I smiled and quietly considered that a small victory for the day.

The day after, I sent the proceedings and now I’m working with this group on next steps and a follow up process.
Can’t wait to open space again!

Cheers, Leslie (in Washington, DC)
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