[OSList] Occupy report

[Chris Corrigan]

Harrison...yes, in situations of opening I have one rule when it comes to
disrupters, and it is the same as yours: carry on.

Most disrupters in open space are well meaning, and want to ask a question,
often hypothetical, and to answer that question is to invite a number of
other hypothetical questions about what might happen.  By definition, the
number of hypothetical situations outnumbers the number of actual
situations, and so the best thing to do is not answer that question, unless
you want to invite and endless discussion.

However, Open Space is still a fresh new experience for some people and
sometimes as facilitators we overexplain the process leading to legitimate
confusion.  But it is important to know that in any group of people, there
are folks who totally get it.  So Here is a very helpful tip for all
facilitators: never ask if anyone has a question about how the process will
work.  One single nervous person can hold up a group that is otherwise
raring to go.  Instead, when you have finished giving instructions, ask the
group this: "please raise your hand if you have enough clarity to get
going.". I ask people to raise their hands and keep them raised.  Then I
say "those of you who are still unclear, please watch or talk to the people
who have their hands raised.  They will help you get going."

ThIs way the group immediately becomes responsible for making it all work,
and I can get to my nap quicker.

Hope this helps.

Chris





On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, Phelim McDermott wrote:

> Hi Harrison
>
> My communication if this disrupter happens in an opening circle is
> usually:  "that sounds like a great session to call! Think of your short
> punchy title!"
>
> Best regards,
>
> Phelim McDermott
> -----------------------------
>  I generally pick up emails only at the beginning and end of the working
> day. I am currently aiming to respond the following day. If it is urgent
> please call me on 07956 187298.
> ___________________/////////////
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On 8 May 2012, at 16:50, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
>
> Chris – Great to see you – and to know that you are, as always, the
> Gentleman. I suggested turning my back, and you offer conversation. But
> there was a difference in situation. You were talking about the Core
> Planning group… and for sure conversation along the lines you suggest is in
> order and essential. My mistake was that I read Raffi to be talking about
> the appearance of a “destabilizer” in the Opening circle. And when I run
> into one of those, I do turn my back and keep moving, knowing that if I
> stop and try some kind of conversation (answer) that could go on all day
> and we would never get the space open. I do the same thing with “honest
> questions.” I know that sounds rude, but my experience has been that
> whatever questions somebody might have will get answered as soon as we
> start. I have also learned that the questions/statements offered by the
> “destabilizer” will never get answered, and that is precisely his/her
> point. “destabilizer” used to be “Space Invader,” but maybe “destabilizer”
> sounds a little more academic – or something?****
>
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-- 
---
CHRIS CORRIGAN
Facilitation - Training - Process Design
Open Space Technology

Weblog: http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot
Site: http://www.chriscorrigan.com

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