[OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours - The Report

Eleder_BuM eleder.aurtenetxe at gmail.com
Thu Aug 1 23:34:04 PDT 2013


Excellent report, Sharon!

One more to keep among the "likes" :-)!

Great that the process made you (and all of us) more confident.

Loved the previous openly speaking about chaos, your self preparation, your
sticking to just one time slot and the power of simplicity in all the
story,...

laugh, live, love!

@Eleder_BuM <http://twitter.com/Eleder_BuM>
www.flowandshow.blogspot.com (En) <http://www.flowandshow.blogspot.com/>



2013/8/1 Sharon Joy Chao <sharon at seameo-innotech.org>

> Just two weeks ago I had this interesting experience of opening space for
> 1,100 (yes, the number swelled) under 4 hours. You probably remember the
> massive exchange in OSList on how to convene under these conditions as we
> burned the line talking about the merit of this assignment. The extent of
> our discussion was remarkable for it showed the depth of wisdom and passion
> attached to the practice with ideas flying from one side of the globe to
> the other.
>
> It started with an invitation to a two-day symposium on performance
> management system in government service. And because it’s a symposium there
> were 6 speakers lined up including a dozen others for concurrent sessions.
> Day 1 had a couple of plenary and concurrent sessions. Open Space was
> slated in the morning of Day 2 followed by a formal symposium integration
> and closure in the afternoon. This was the first time HR people in
> government are called together, and there was a good mix of people from
> national agencies, government corporations, state universities and local
> government units in attendance.
>
> The open space session focused on making performance management system
> (PMS) in public service truly essential, responsive and life giving.
> Sitting through Day 1 presentations and forums made me realize that the
> audience have compelling stories to tell in addition to having contending
> views on how to move PMS in their agency. This prompted me to check my own
> motivation as I worked with government in the past and I know that PMS has
> always been a thorny issue in the service. I need to bring respect to
> everyone involved and there’s no sense adding my own ideas and arrogance to
> the issue.
>
> Bits and pieces of the process I used that somehow worked despite the
> number and the time configuration:
>
> ·        Space was tight to include provision of an open space in the
> middle, but the hotel staff did an incredible job of assembling 5 layers of
> chairs in concentric circle. With this arrangement a thousand chairs almost
> reached the wall but then again that’s fine as there was ample space for
> people to move in the center. To facilitate movement an open aisle was
> provided from four points of the room so what we actually had was an open
> circle.
>
> ·        Opening was limited to an hour with 15-minute sponsorship and a
> walkthrough of the theme and the OST process. The whole spiel gave me time
> to completely/slowly walk the circle to establish some degree of proximity
> with the participants. The rest of the hour was spent getting people to
> queue and publicly announce their topics.
>
> ·        Convenors used placards (illustration board stapled on
> three-foot bamboo stick) instead of papers to publish their topics. There
> was no marketplace because the market was mobile. It was messy, disorderly
> and fun when convenors started to go around the room for membership, while
> the rest decide which topic to join. The decision to use placards was
> brought about by hotel’s policy not to stick anything on the wall, and this
> policy actually worked to everyone’s advantage.
>
> ·        It helped to talk about chaos openly and early on. There’s no
> way I can manage a thousand in four hours; and the only other thing left
> was expect chaos, accept it, and work it to my advantage. At the same time
> I remained calm and secure despite the seeming disarray inside the room
> especially when people start standing up and moving into groups. It’s
> essential to coach the sponsor to expect it. The analogy I used to convince
> them was that of a  wedding event, one can think things through and
> organize it to death but then again things don’t usually turn out as
> planned. I also told the participants to expect chaos, learn to live with
> the mess and love it.
>
> ·        When all the topics were declared (about a hundred), I realize
> it did not make sense sticking to the original plan of having two one-hour
> session, despite the color coded placards and instructions for groups to
> have two separate time frames. With placards on hand, people immediately
> self organized. Not even those sticky numbers posted (yes, this was the
> only concession we got from the hotel) made sense at this point. Respecting
> that tendency, I decided not to call for two sessions but instead do a
> two-hour session on the topics generated. This two hour event gave
> convenors ample time not only to convene their group and discuss the topic
> but also time to review and enrich the report.
>
> ·        Wonderful suggestion never to let go of the microphone
> especially during the queuing for topics and the closing of circle when a
> drove wanted to speak. We apportioned an hour for closing the circle, with
> about 20 people sharing their thoughts on the process and how they plan to
> move forward with PMS in their agency.
>
> ·        What worked for me in closing the circle was having someone to
> anchor it and in this case it was the Chair of the Civil Service
> Commission. This was very strategic as one can’t get any higher than this
> guy. Commitments were made on the results of the OS discussion including
> the commitment to  hold an annual gathering of HR people in public service.
>
> ·        I worked with one other friend in convening the circle. Having
> one person to do the walk is fine but it’s important to have someone to
> help hold the space with me, someone to ground me and to help make sense of
> the pulse of those in the circle which can easily be missed when one is
> caught up with things.
>
> ·        I remember Harrison saying that opening spaces is a dance and we
> can dance beautifully yet we should not be caught in it (I added some words
> here, not sure if he agrees). It’s this balancing act that keeps me
> grounded and calm but also allowed me to gently take rein of things when
> necessary to secure the space, and it worked especially in opening and
> closing of the space. In the end, OST became an act of accepting whatever
> comes and letting go whatever goes.
>
> Preparing the self or what works for me two weeks ago:
>
> ·        I learn to love the mess and expect that nothing can be
> completely accounted for. I talk about it with the organizers, cue people
> who are in the circle and most importantly I embrace it like a mother
> embraces a child and just let it be without losing myself to it.
>
> ·        I learn to connect...I am passionate about this assignment as I
> worked with government for 14 years before joining my present job. There
> was deep connection between my need to serve and the intention of this
> gathering, and this was instructive in the way I prepared myself for the
> assignment. I drew strength from my love of government service, that I did
> not worry myself senseless unlike my previous OS engagements. I eased up
> and just refused to get caught in the usual pre-work worries. Don’t get me
> wrong pre-work is important and I’m glad I had a group of young women
> backing me on the details. But at the personal level, this engagement was
> unique as I dig deep and spend more time settling down. I also had a good
> night rest before opening the circle, so unlike the past. And there was a
> conscious attempt to stop talking the night before, not only outside but
> also inside. I practiced noble silence, ending the talk from the mouth and
> the mind. This is graceful silence and a very powerful one, it’s the
> silence that heals and nourishes, same energy I brought to the circle the
> next day.
>
> ·        I learn to hack my way through and think on my feet. The ways of
> OST never fail to surprise me, it served me on what I know would work yet
>  there’s no one way. I learn that there are many possible ways of moving
> forward, and it is by challenging and provoking what I already know that
> helps. What is universal and unchanging, what stays are the principles and
> the law, in whatever arrangements or configuration these are the things
> that stick. The rest is as experimental as catching the wave.
>
> ·        I learn to stay humble and step back from a prescribed program
> that’s already agreed upon but at the same time fearless despite what
> others say because in the end it's also about that one solitary person in
> the middle of the circle. It’s important to be open to the flow and to feel
> one’s way through the crowd, just as we do in real life.
>
> _________________
>
> *For better appreciation of this experience, I’ve uploaded some photos in
> my Facebook account. *
>
> *Again, thank you for seeing me through this assignment.*
>
>
>
>
>
> From:        oslist-request at lists.openspacetech.org
> To:        oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
> Date:        07/14/2013 04:07 AM
> Subject:        OSList Digest, Vol 29, Issue 12
> Sent by:        oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org
> ------------------------------
>
>
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Fwd:  1,000 participants in 4 hours (Suzanne Daigle)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 13 Jul 2013 07:36:22 -0400
> From: Suzanne Daigle <sdaigle4 at gmail.com>
> To: OSLIST <OSList at lists.openspacetech.org>
> Subject: [OSList] Fwd:  1,000 participants in 4 hours
> Message-ID:
> <CAJh+fLC3tjEbVfSaeZM9ouCm6Zriwjjq9GpKkd39jCNsS8M4EQ at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Dear Sharon Joy,
>
> I am sending you my love and great "joy" that you have been asked to
> facilitate this large and diverse group.
>
> In Open Space, they say whoever comes are the right people and you my dear
> are the "right facilitator".  You are already opening space so beautifully
> for this event, with many on the OS list and in your midst coming forward
> to contribute their great wisdom, experience and support because you have
> extended the invitation.
>
> By simply asking and sharing, what wondrous space you are opening already.
> What a gift to each of us, reading all that has been contributed. The
> future and possibilities are being created before our eyes.
>
> You say in your note: "I pray for humility to open the circle, and strength
> to step aside once the circle is open."
>
> Is this not the beautiful yin and yang of life!  The pull of the opposites
> -- the opposite of humility, the opposite of strength that we humans
> struggle with so much. The walking into the unknowing that requires much
> courage, wondering if we are enough to open such a big space.  Know that we
> are walking with you, Sharon Joy.
>
> I would not be able to offer any pearls of wisdom on the logistics of a
> large group like this, not having had that experience.
>
> Yet in my heart of heart, guided by those beautiful OS principles, that law
> and the "be prepared to be surprised", breathing in deeply, I know you will
> be opening beautiful space.  You will be inviting others to "experience the
> magic" of Open Space just as we did together at WOSonOS in Taiwan where we
> first met, in those early days of Open Space for each us...and now in that
> short time, it has led to this!  The opportunity to open space for 1000
> government Philippine people who want  to create a truly essential,
> energizing and responsive performance management system? Like wow how very
> cool is that!
>
> I want to also thank you Sharon Joy. Because of what you posted and all the
> wonderful replies that it invited,   the dual role of the facilitator came
> into sharper focus for me:  the "doing" and the "not doing".
>
> I saw more clearly the important  practical role of having all the
> logistics in place, simply and effectively, from the fine details of the
> traffic patterns to the basics of preparing an Open Space and then the more
> spiritual role of opening, holding and closing space with no attachment to
> outcome, just trusting the process. This too invites a duality, the duality
> of organizing lightly and effectively and then letting go.
>
> In the end, however it happens, the gift is that space will be opened for
> people to engage on what they care about.
>
>
> Suzanne
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Sharon Joy Chao <sharon at seameo-innotech.org>
> Date: Fri, Jul 12, 2013 at 11:07 AM
> Subject: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> To: "oslist at lists.openspacetech.org" <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
>
>
> Its overwhelming reading through all the exchanges and good intentions my
> request has generated. I read  each mail and can't help but smile at the
> treasure trove of ideas.
>
> First off, the 1,000 participants in 4 hours, is definitely pushing through
> in Cebu. As its a big event, theres a team that's helping me and  doing
> much of the pre work on the ground. The venue is a huge hotel ballroom
> enough to accommodate over 2,000 so space is not much of a worry. I was
> shown pictures, the ballroom is squarish with high ceiling.  Now here's the
> catch, initially we thought of deploying balloons much like how Michael has
> done in Germany some years back. But the hotel won't allow balloons inside
> the hall, and also do not permit sticking anything on the wall. So, we are
> left with following options: either to use the laundry line complete with
> laundry clips or placards, which can be raised for people to see.
>
> I like the suggestion of Chris, as its something I can use to close the
> circle. Some tweaking so it reads like this..."what did we learn in this
> open space gathering and what do we need to do to support the momentum?" Of
> course I still need to work with  Civil Service people to make sense of the
> results and also to post the same question to them.
>
> Btw, this OST event happens within a two-day symposium on Performance
> Management System. And Harrison is right, there are tons of speakers on day
> 1, day 2 starts with open space in the morning. The big question paused to
> them is this: What bold steps can we take to create a truly essential,
> energizing and responsive performance management system? Additional
> speakers take over in the afternoon mainly for government pronouncements.
>
> The participants are government HR, OD and planning people, local
> government and some private sector representatives. There might not be that
> much exposure for deep engagement, but I'd still take this assignment
> anytime.
>
> To touch base with as many government agencies and be able to open the
> discussion on performance management; to have this engagement even for just
> four hours and get government to seriously consider the kind of system
> that gives life to the service...these are enough incentives for me to
> accept the assignment.
>
> >From the practice of open space I learn to adopt a beginner's mind, one
> that's open to possibility, a don't know mind, this coupled with the
> practice of quieting the mind, prepares me to gracefully enter the circle.
> I pray for humility to open the circle, and strength to step aside once the
> circle is open. And yes, 15 min is enough time to set the space.
>
> The program, thanks to your suggestions is more streamlined...one hour
> opening/issue generation; two one- hour sessions and another hour for
> closing the circle.
>
> I truly can't thank everyone enough. Sending my love to Harrison, Lisa and
> Franklin, and all those who are kind enough to play through the
> configuration of 1,000 under 4 hours. I'll get back to you and share how it
> goes. That would be something to look forward to :)
>
> Metta,
> Sharon Joy
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Jul 12, 2013, at 4:06 AM, oslist-request at lists.openspacetech.org wrote:
>
> Send OSList mailing list submissions to
> oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
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> than "Re: Contents of OSList digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours (Scott Gassman)
> 2. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours (Harrison Owen)
> 3. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours (Chris Corrigan)
> 4. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours (Scott Gassman)
> 5. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours (K?ri Gunnarsson)
> 6. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours (Michael M Pannwitz)
> 7. open space in jeeps (K?ri Gunnarsson)
> 8. Re: open space in jeeps (gerardo de luzenberger)
> 9. Re: open space in jeeps (K?ri Gunnarsson)
>
>
> 10. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours (Harrison Owen)
> 11. Re: open space in jeeps (Lise Damkj?r)
> 12. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours (chunili2000 at yahoo.com)
> 13. Re: 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> (Lourdes Adriana Diaz-Berrio Doring)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 17:00:37 -0400
> From: Scott Gassman <scott.gassman at gmail.com>
> To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
> <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
> Subject: Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> Message-ID:
> <CAF1xtsS3fdNnEnpGaYDDM7SoxvvBGa=zSm3Yk+oYc7tNBTQmFg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> Hi Harrison,
>
> Glad you responded, Sharon gets to think deeper about how to proceed and be
> hopefully clearer about her design decisions.
> I clearly hear "get out of the way quickly," and the authenticity of how
> you have lived/practiced OpenSpace. I love it when I do it.
> Not all of us have your confidence, clarity or competence in all situations
> to trust ourselves, in an organization we may live/work in and/or the
> process in a room potentially filled with bureaucrats, whose shadow can
> slow down the speed of large group movement.
> Whether my approach is a cop out to the OS process, my Kathie Dannemiller
> lessons about Design Teams has helped me to usually make the process
> consciously the participants' process.
>
> Scott
>
> On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 1:30 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
>
> > Scott ? I guess I really have a different take. I have never seen any
> > reason to ?plant? topics, or emplace ?spark plugs.? In every situation
> with
> > large groups in my experience (my largest was 2108 J) ? the people do it
> > all by themselves, just like usual. If anything the action is faster, and
> > more furious with a large group. Once it rolls, it really rolls. You just
> > got to get out of the way quickly ? which is why I would make sure the
> > opening was fast and sweet. Once person (facilitator) only ? and on with
> > the show! Of course the ?necessary conditions? must be in place (real
> > business issue, complexity, diversity, passion, conflict, urgency) ? and
> > from there on out the only thing you need to do is sit in a circle,
> create
> > bulletin board, open market place ? and go to work. Nothing else
> needed.**
> > **
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Harrison****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Harrison Owen****
> >
> > 7808 River Falls Dr.****
> >
> > Potomac, MD 20854****
> >
> > USA****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)****
> >
> > Camden, Maine 04843****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Phone 301-365-2093****
> >
> > (summer)  207-763-3261****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com%20> ****
> >
> > www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com%20> (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 *Scott Gassman
> > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 10, 2013 10:13 AM
> > *To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list
> > *Subject:* Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Hi Sharon Joy,****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Thanks for sharing your opportunity and provoking our experience and
> > imagination.****
> >
> > Lisa has given you great tips, great food for thought. For me the joy of
> a
> > laid back ****
> >
> > OS alters when I must manage tighter time frames, larger numbers and
> > logistics. I ****
> >
> > want people to see what they can get done when they are focused and led
> > through ****
> >
> > well planned OS tasks. ****
> >
> > I think about the outcome/purpose the client/group wants to walk away
> > with. I try to ****
> >
> > get clear on their goal(s)/desired outcomes. I am fond of design teams
> > preceding ****
> >
> > any large group initiative. I would bring together 5 to 10 vertically
> > positioned ****
> >
> > influencers as soon as possible and preceding the get together and
> confirm
> > sought ****
> >
> > desired outcomes, I would then ask them to brainstorm a list of important
> > topics****
> >
> > for this conversation and to rework the list into a vital few examples. I
> > would also ****
> >
> > encourage this group to recognize the significance of their role and to
> > serve as ****
> >
> > spark plugs to get the large group moving forward.****
> >
> > However the session is opened, I would include a design team member or
> two
> > to share their ****
> >
> > hopes and aspirations for this meeting, and to briefly share the list of
> > topics as examples ****
> >
> > for the 1,000 others to raise what matters most to them per the "high
> > performance ****
> >
> > system"sought.****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > This is a great opportunity for your government to work together.****
> >
> > I also look forward to learning about your experience and next steps.****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Scott Gassman****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > On Tue, Jul 9, 2013 at 8:38 PM, Sharon Joy Chao <
> > sharon at seameo-innotech.org> wrote:****
> >
> > Need to figure a way of convening a thousand government people to go
> > through an exploratory discussion on high performance system, all under 4
> > hours.
> >
> > This happens next week down south in the city of Cebu. The focus is on
> the
> > Philippine government service, its performance management system and how
> it
> > can be truly essential, responsive and life-giving.
> >
> > Gail West, my OS mentor friend, has provided me with some incredible
> > suggestions on how to proceed and she also advised me to post on OSList.
> >
> > Any thoughts on how best to proceed with a cast of thousand in 4 hours
> > time?
> >
> > Maraming Salamat.
> >
> > ========================================
> > Sharon Joy Berlin Chao
> > SEAMEO INNOTECH
> > Commonwealth Avenue, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City
> > Metro Manila 1101 Philippines
> > Phone (632) 924-7681, 9267900
> > Fax (632) 928-7692
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org****
> >
> >
> >
> > ****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > --
> > Scott Gassman
> > IdeaJuice
> > (917) 951 - 0258
> > scott.gassman at gmail.com
> > www.ideajuices.com
> >
> > America Speaks on Scott:
> >
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
> >
> >
> > ****
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> Scott Gassman
> IdeaJuice
> (917) 951 - 0258
> scott.gassman at gmail.com
> www.ideajuices.com
>
> America Speaks on Scott:
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 18:06:55 -0400
> From: "Harrison Owen" <hhowen at verizon.net>
> To: "'World wide Open Space Technology email list'"
> <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
> Subject: Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> Message-ID: <000601ce7db9$cb061bc0$61125340$@net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Scott said - "Not all of us have your (that's me - HO) confidence, clarity
> or competence in all situations to trust ourselves, in an organization we
> may live/work in and/or the process in a room potentially filled with
> bureaucrats, whose shadow can slow down the speed of large group movement."
>
>
>
> Nice words, Scott - but once again I have a different take. Truth is I have
> ZERO confidence, to say nothing of clarity, in my "competence in all
> situations to trust (my)ourselves, in an organization we may live/work in
> and/or the process in a room potentially filled with bureaucrats, whose
> shadow can slow down the speed of large group movement." Quite to the
> contrary,  I know totally and completely that I will NEVER have a real clue
> about what is going on. Too complex, inter-related, fast moving, opaque...
> BUT the people do. My only responsibility (possibility) is to invite them
> to
> do what only they know how to do - and then, as quickly as possible, get
> out
> of the way. Usually to take a napJ
>
>
>
> And Kathie Dannemiller was a special person and a friend. I respect her
> greatly. And... somebody once asked her why, given what she did, she didn't
> use Open Space. Her reply, as I heard it, was - "I'd be terrified ... it
> could get out of control." The big secret, of course, was that she (as we
> all are) was always out of control - so there was nothing to lose.
>
> Harrison
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Harrison Owen
>
> 7808 River Falls Dr.
>
> Potomac, MD 20854
>
> USA
>
>
>
> 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
>
> Camden, Maine 04843
>
>
>
> 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>
> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
>
>
>
> From: oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org
> [mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org<oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org>
> <oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org>]
> On Behalf Of Scott Gassman
> Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:01 PM
> To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
> Subject: Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
>
>
>
> Hi Harrison,
>
>
>
> Glad you responded, Sharon gets to think deeper about how to proceed and be
> hopefully clearer about her design decisions.
>
> I clearly hear "get out of the way quickly," and the authenticity of how
> you
> have lived/practiced OpenSpace. I love it when I do it.
>
> Not all of us have your confidence, clarity or competence in all situations
> to trust ourselves, in an organization we may live/work in and/or the
> process in a room potentially filled with bureaucrats, whose shadow can
> slow
> down the speed of large group movement.
>
> Whether my approach is a cop out to the OS process, my Kathie Dannemiller
> lessons about Design Teams has helped me to usually make the process
> consciously the participants' process.
>
>
>
> Scott
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 1:30 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
>
> Scott - I guess I really have a different take. I have never seen any
> reason
> to "plant" topics, or emplace "spark plugs." In every situation with large
> groups in my experience (my largest was 2108 J) - the people do it all by
> themselves, just like usual. If anything the action is faster, and more
> furious with a large group. Once it rolls, it really rolls. You just got to
> get out of the way quickly - which is why I would make sure the opening was
> fast and sweet. Once person (facilitator) only - and on with the show! Of
> course the "necessary conditions" must be in place (real business issue,
> complexity, diversity, passion, conflict, urgency) - and from there on out
> the only thing you need to do is sit in a circle, create bulletin board,
> open market place - and go to work. Nothing else needed.
>
>
>
> Harrison
>
>
>
> Harrison Owen
>
> 7808 River Falls Dr.
>
> Potomac, MD 20854
>
> USA
>
>
>
> 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
>
> Camden, Maine 04843
>
>
>
> Phone 301-365-2093
>
> (summer)  207-763-3261
>
>
>
> www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com%20>
>
> www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com%20>  (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<oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org>
> <oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org>]
> On Behalf Of Scott Gassman
> Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 10:13 AM
> To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
> Subject: Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
>
>
>
> Hi Sharon Joy,
>
>
>
> Thanks for sharing your opportunity and provoking our experience and
> imagination.
>
> Lisa has given you great tips, great food for thought. For me the joy of a
> laid back
>
> OS alters when I must manage tighter time frames, larger numbers and
> logistics. I
>
> want people to see what they can get done when they are focused and led
> through
>
> well planned OS tasks.
>
> I think about the outcome/purpose the client/group wants to walk away with.
> I try to
>
> get clear on their goal(s)/desired outcomes. I am fond of design teams
> preceding
>
> any large group initiative. I would bring together 5 to 10 vertically
> positioned
>
> influencers as soon as possible and preceding the get together and confirm
> sought
>
> desired outcomes, I would then ask them to brainstorm a list of important
> topics
>
> for this conversation and to rework the list into a vital few examples. I
> would also
>
> encourage this group to recognize the significance of their role and to
> serve as
>
> spark plugs to get the large group moving forward.
>
> However the session is opened, I would include a design team member or two
> to share their
>
> hopes and aspirations for this meeting, and to briefly share the list of
> topics as examples
>
> for the 1,000 others to raise what matters most to them per the "high
> performance
>
> system"sought.
>
>
>
> This is a great opportunity for your government to work together.
>
> I also look forward to learning about your experience and next steps.
>
>
>
> Scott Gassman
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 9, 2013 at 8:38 PM, Sharon Joy Chao <
> sharon at seameo-innotech.org>
> wrote:
>
> Need to figure a way of convening a thousand government people to go
> through
> an exploratory discussion on high performance system, all under 4 hours.
>
> This happens next week down south in the city of Cebu. The focus is on the
> Philippine government service, its performance management system and how it
> can be truly essential, responsive and life-giving.
>
> Gail West, my OS mentor friend, has provided me with some incredible
> suggestions on how to proceed and she also advised me to post on OSList.
>
> Any thoughts on how best to proceed with a cast of thousand in 4 hours
> time?
>
>
> Maraming Salamat.
>
> ========================================
> Sharon Joy Berlin Chao
> SEAMEO INNOTECH
> Commonwealth Avenue, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City
> Metro Manila 1101 Philippines
> Phone (632) 924-7681, 9267900
> Fax (632) 928-7692
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OSList mailing list
> To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Scott Gassman
> IdeaJuice
> (917) 951 - 0258
> scott.gassman at gmail.com
> www.ideajuices.com
>
> America Speaks on Scott:
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OSList mailing list
> To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Scott Gassman
> IdeaJuice
> (917) 951 - 0258
> scott.gassman at gmail.com
> www.ideajuices.com
>
> America Speaks on Scott:
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
>
>
>
>
> -------------- next part --------------
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>
> http://lists.openspacetech.org/pipermail/oslist-openspacetech.org/attachments/20130710/ef43ab9b/attachment-0001.htm
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 15:47:45 -0700
> From: Chris Corrigan <chris at chriscorrigan.com>
> To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
> <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
> Subject: Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> Message-ID:
> <CAO8x+WDBST7Ae4K5vmx3_NjeM_sbadNrTn4iEgAtmkS5KeqfiA at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> Agreeing with Harrison here.
>
> Lisa has given some great advice.  If you were going to make it possible to
> host 1000 people in Open Space for 4 hours, Lisa's detailed list gives you
> your best shot of doing that and being successful.
>
> Don't be fooled though...this is a huge ask to do this well.  The largest
> group I ever hosted was about 600 people and honestly, the thought of doing
> that in a half day is truly overwhelming.  You need a large team with you
> to make sure the logistics flow and make sure that people can find where
> they need to go in a timely way.  But 1000 people moving about in a space
> is a really big ask, and that takes WAAAAY more time than you think it
> will. And God forbid someone calls a session and 75 people show up because
> it is rich and juicy - just being able to be heard and get a few comments
> in will be challenging.
>
> As for the design teams idea, that one is really simple.  With a crowd of
> 1000 people all proposing and hosting conversations I think having a few
> people predetermine some trigger topics will give a false sense of comfort
> that they are actually able to be influential.  The fact is that 1000
> people are ALREADY talking and this Open Space will simply make that all
> visible.  To host this in Open Space you simply HAVE to have confidence in
> your ability to stand in the room and host.  If you can't do that, it's
> going to be hard for you.  You will not be able to control the shadow of
> the group nor the possibility of emergence.  Once the group is working you
> will barely be able to reconvene them, let alone impact the emotional field
> of the event.  So you and the core team need to let go of outcomes and get
> really curious about what might emerge from this afternoon of work.
>
> Instead of design teams I would counsel that you have several dozen
> listeners somehow connected to the bigger project who can discern what is
> going on.  After the event invite them and the conveners of every
> conversation to engage in a little meaning making together.  That could
> still be a meeting of more than 100 people, but you could do it in Open
> Space and ask the question: "So what did we learn from our 1000 people open
> space and what do we need to do to support momentum?"
>
> And as for outcomes, there is very little this group collectively will be
> able to accomplish in four hours other than people shaving the conversation
> they came to have (not the ones the sponsors want them to have) with a few
> people who managed to find them.  You might use a tool like
> http://smsharvest.com as a way of catching insights on the fly from
> everywhere.  But it will be really hard to get any collective clarity.
>
> This is a tough one Sharon Joy.  I wish you a lot of luck and good clarity
> and hope you will share the story with us of whatever happens.  There will
> be lots of learning in it for all of us.
>
> Chris
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 3:06 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
>
> > Scott said ? ?Not all of us have your (that?s me ? HO) confidence,
> clarity
> > or competence in all situations to trust ourselves, in an organization we
> > may live/work in and/or the process in a room potentially filled with
> > bureaucrats, whose shadow can slow down the speed of large group
> movement.?
> > ****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Nice words, Scott ? but once again I have a different take. Truth is I
> > have ZERO confidence, to say nothing of clarity, in my ?competence in all
> > situations to trust (my)ourselves, in an organization we may live/work in
> > and/or the process in a room potentially filled with bureaucrats, whose
> > shadow can slow down the speed of large group movement.? Quite to the
> > contrary,  I know totally and completely that I will NEVER have a real
> clue
> > about what is going on. Too complex, inter-related, fast moving,
> opaque...
> > BUT the people do. My only responsibility (possibility) is to invite them
> > to do what only they know how to do ? and then, as quickly as possible,
> get
> > out of the way. Usually to take a napJ****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > And Kathie Dannemiller was a special person and a friend. I respect her
> > greatly. And... somebody once asked her why, given what she did, she
> didn?t
> > use Open Space. Her reply, as I heard it, was ? ?I?d be terrified ... it
> > could get out of control.? The big secret, of course, was that she (as we
> > all are) was always out of control ? so there was nothing to lose.****
> >
> > ****
> >
> > Harrison****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Harrison Owen****
> >
> > 7808 River Falls Dr.****
> >
> > Potomac, MD 20854****
> >
> > USA****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)****
> >
> > Camden, Maine 04843****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Phone 301-365-2093****
> >
> > (summer)  207-763-3261****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com%20> ****
> >
> > www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com%20> (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 *Scott Gassman
> > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:01 PM
> >
> > *To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list
> > *Subject:* Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Hi Harrison,****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Glad you responded, Sharon gets to think deeper about how to proceed and
> > be hopefully clearer about her design decisions.****
> >
> > I clearly hear "get out of the way quickly," and the authenticity of how
> > you have lived/practiced OpenSpace. I love it when I do it.****
> >
> > Not all of us have your confidence, clarity or competence in all
> > situations to trust ourselves, in an organization we may live/work in
> > and/or the process in a room potentially filled with bureaucrats, whose
> > shadow can slow down the speed of large group movement. ****
> >
> > Whether my approach is a cop out to the OS process, my Kathie Dannemiller
> > lessons about Design Teams has helped me to usually make the process
> > consciously the participants' process.****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Scott****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 1:30 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net>
> wrote:
> > ****
> >
> > Scott ? I guess I really have a different take. I have never seen any
> > reason to ?plant? topics, or emplace ?spark plugs.? In every situation
> with
> > large groups in my experience (my largest was 2108 J) ? the people do it
> > all by themselves, just like usual. If anything the action is faster, and
> > more furious with a large group. Once it rolls, it really rolls. You just
> > got to get out of the way quickly ? which is why I would make sure the
> > opening was fast and sweet. Once person (facilitator) only ? and on with
> > the show! Of course the ?necessary conditions? must be in place (real
> > business issue, complexity, diversity, passion, conflict, urgency) ? and
> > from there on out the only thing you need to do is sit in a circle,
> create
> > bulletin board, open market place ? and go to work. Nothing else
> needed.**
> > **
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Harrison****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Harrison Owen****
> >
> > 7808 River Falls Dr.****
> >
> > Potomac, MD 20854****
> >
> > USA****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)****
> >
> > Camden, Maine 04843****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Phone 301-365-2093****
> >
> > (summer)  207-763-3261****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com%20> ****
> >
> > www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com%20> (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 *Scott Gassman
> > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 10, 2013 10:13 AM
> > *To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list
> > *Subject:* Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Hi Sharon Joy,****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Thanks for sharing your opportunity and provoking our experience and
> > imagination.****
> >
> > Lisa has given you great tips, great food for thought. For me the joy of
> a
> > laid back ****
> >
> > OS alters when I must manage tighter time frames, larger numbers and
> > logistics. I ****
> >
> > want people to see what they can get done when they are focused and led
> > through ****
> >
> > well planned OS tasks. ****
> >
> > I think about the outcome/purpose the client/group wants to walk away
> > with. I try to ****
> >
> > get clear on their goal(s)/desired outcomes. I am fond of design teams
> > preceding ****
> >
> > any large group initiative. I would bring together 5 to 10 vertically
> > positioned ****
> >
> > influencers as soon as possible and preceding the get together and
> confirm
> > sought ****
> >
> > desired outcomes, I would then ask them to brainstorm a list of important
> > topics****
> >
> > for this conversation and to rework the list into a vital few examples. I
> > would also ****
> >
> > encourage this group to recognize the significance of their role and to
> > serve as ****
> >
> > spark plugs to get the large group moving forward.****
> >
> > However the session is opened, I would include a design team member or
> two
> > to share their ****
> >
> > hopes and aspirations for this meeting, and to briefly share the list of
> > topics as examples ****
> >
> > for the 1,000 others to raise what matters most to them per the "high
> > performance ****
> >
> > system"sought.****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > This is a great opportunity for your government to work together.****
> >
> > I also look forward to learning about your experience and next steps.****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Scott Gassman****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > On Tue, Jul 9, 2013 at 8:38 PM, Sharon Joy Chao <
> > sharon at seameo-innotech.org> wrote:****
> >
> > Need to figure a way of convening a thousand government people to go
> > through an exploratory discussion on high performance system, all under 4
> > hours.
> >
> > This happens next week down south in the city of Cebu. The focus is on
> the
> > Philippine government service, its performance management system and how
> it
> > can be truly essential, responsive and life-giving.
> >
> > Gail West, my OS mentor friend, has provided me with some incredible
> > suggestions on how to proceed and she also advised me to post on OSList.
> >
> > Any thoughts on how best to proceed with a cast of thousand in 4 hours
> > time?
> >
> > Maraming Salamat.
> >
> > ========================================
> > Sharon Joy Berlin Chao
> > SEAMEO INNOTECH
> > Commonwealth Avenue, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City
> > Metro Manila 1101 Philippines
> > Phone (632) 924-7681, 9267900
> > Fax (632) 928-7692
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org****
> >
> >
> >
> > ****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > --
> > Scott Gassman
> > IdeaJuice
> > (917) 951 - 0258
> > scott.gassman at gmail.com
> > www.ideajuices.com
> >
> > America Speaks on Scott:
> >
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
> >
> > ****
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org****
> >
> >
> >
> > ****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > --
> > Scott Gassman
> > IdeaJuice
> > (917) 951 - 0258
> > scott.gassman at gmail.com
> > www.ideajuices.com
> >
> > America Speaks on Scott:
> >
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
> >
> >
> > ****
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> ---
> CHRIS CORRIGAN
> Facilitation - Training - Process Design
> Open Space Technology - Art of Hosting
>
> http://www.chriscorrigan.com
>
> *Upcoming workshops*
> *
>
> Wise Leadership in
> Practice<http://www.kaasamine.ee/koolitused/wise-leadership-in-practice>
> August 22-25, S?nna Cultural Manor, Estonia
>
> *
> *Art of Hosting - Art of (Inter)action* <http://www.aohmontreal.org/en/>
> *October 8-10, 2013, Montreal, PQ.*
>
> *
> Art of Hosting <http://aohrivendell.withtank.com/> - Participatory
> Leadership and Social Collaboration
> November 11-14, 2013, Bowen Island, BC, Canada.
> *
> -------------- next part --------------
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> URL: <
>
> http://lists.openspacetech.org/pipermail/oslist-openspacetech.org/attachments/20130710/7a16a9c8/attachment-0001.htm
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 20:47:52 -0400
> From: Scott Gassman <scott.gassman at gmail.com>
> To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
> <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
> Subject: Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> Message-ID:
> <CAF1xtsQpfXW2Bk0=6NsZatCe8AWzDak3jkPquEGTFVjKJRxbHA at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> Harrison,
>
> I am going to print these paragraphs of yours and think about the "ZERO
> confidence," "about what is going on."
> That's  good  material for me to think about as I approach future group
> work.
> I am touched by your Kathie story.  Kathie's respect for you came out in a
> conversation and made me want to learn Open Space, and so she really
> steered me towards learning with you and Lisa up in Maine. I do remember
> you leaving to take a nap and me scratching my head - how - in the middle,
> can you let go? I guess until now I dance between the freedom of Open Space
> and joint design team sharing that anchors me to do as much as I can to
> support the group and deliver a quick start.  I want the organizational
> team to discover and I also want to have them have those first few steps of
> how to get going on their own.
> I think of it as pushing a kid on a 2 wheel bicycle, also "out of control,"
> aiming to get them to keep pedaling  and stay up.
>
> Here's my honesty to you, Sharon Joy.
>
> Scott
>
> On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 6:06 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
>
> > Scott said ? ?Not all of us have your (that?s me ? HO) confidence,
> clarity
> > or competence in all situations to trust ourselves, in an organization we
> > may live/work in and/or the process in a room potentially filled with
> > bureaucrats, whose shadow can slow down the speed of large group
> movement.?
> > ****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Nice words, Scott ? but once again I have a different take. Truth is I
> > have ZERO confidence, to say nothing of clarity, in my ?competence in all
> > situations to trust (my)ourselves, in an organization we may live/work in
> > and/or the process in a room potentially filled with bureaucrats, whose
> > shadow can slow down the speed of large group movement.? Quite to the
> > contrary,  I know totally and completely that I will NEVER have a real
> clue
> > about what is going on. Too complex, inter-related, fast moving,
> opaque...
> > BUT the people do. My only responsibility (possibility) is to invite them
> > to do what only they know how to do ? and then, as quickly as possible,
> get
> > out of the way. Usually to take a napJ****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > And Kathie Dannemiller was a special person and a friend. I respect her
> > greatly. And... somebody once asked her why, given what she did, she
> didn?t
> > use Open Space. Her reply, as I heard it, was ? ?I?d be terrified ... it
> > could get out of control.? The big secret, of course, was that she (as we
> > all are) was always out of control ? so there was nothing to lose.****
> >
> > ****
> >
> > Harrison****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Harrison Owen****
> >
> > 7808 River Falls Dr.****
> >
> > Potomac, MD 20854****
> >
> > USA****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)****
> >
> > Camden, Maine 04843****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Phone 301-365-2093****
> >
> > (summer)  207-763-3261****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com%20> ****
> >
> > www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com%20> (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 *Scott Gassman
> > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:01 PM
> >
> > *To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list
> > *Subject:* Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Hi Harrison,****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Glad you responded, Sharon gets to think deeper about how to proceed and
> > be hopefully clearer about her design decisions.****
> >
> > I clearly hear "get out of the way quickly," and the authenticity of how
> > you have lived/practiced OpenSpace. I love it when I do it.****
> >
> > Not all of us have your confidence, clarity or competence in all
> > situations to trust ourselves, in an organization we may live/work in
> > and/or the process in a room potentially filled with bureaucrats, whose
> > shadow can slow down the speed of large group movement. ****
> >
> > Whether my approach is a cop out to the OS process, my Kathie Dannemiller
> > lessons about Design Teams has helped me to usually make the process
> > consciously the participants' process.****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > Scott****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 1:30 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net>
> wrote:
> > ****
> >
> > Scott ? I guess I really have a different take. I have never seen any
> > reason to ?plant? topics, or emplace ?spark plugs.? In every situation
> with
> > large groups in my experience (my largest was 2108 J) ? the people do it
> > all by themselves, just like usual. If anything the action is faster, and
> > more furious with a large group. Once it rolls, it really rolls. You just
> > got to get out of the way quickly ? which is why I would make sure the
> > opening was fast and sweet. Once person (facilitator) only ? and on with
> > the show! Of course the ?necessary conditions? must be in place (real
> > business issue, complexity, diversity, passion, conflict, urgency) ? and
> > from there on out the only thing you need to do is sit in a circle,
> create
> > bulletin board, open market place ? and go to work. Nothing else
> needed.**
> > **
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Harrison****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Harrison Owen****
> >
> > 7808 River Falls Dr.****
> >
> > Potomac, MD 20854****
> >
> > USA****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)****
> >
> > Camden, Maine 04843****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Phone 301-365-2093****
> >
> > (summer)  207-763-3261****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com%20> ****
> >
> > www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com%20> (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 *Scott Gassman
> > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 10, 2013 10:13 AM
> > *To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list
> > *Subject:* Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Hi Sharon Joy,****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Thanks for sharing your opportunity and provoking our experience and
> > imagination.****
> >
> > Lisa has given you great tips, great food for thought. For me the joy of
> a
> > laid back ****
> >
> > OS alters when I must manage tighter time frames, larger numbers and
> > logistics. I ****
> >
> > want people to see what they can get done when they are focused and led
> > through ****
> >
> > well planned OS tasks. ****
> >
> > I think about the outcome/purpose the client/group wants to walk away
> > with. I try to ****
> >
> > get clear on their goal(s)/desired outcomes. I am fond of design teams
> > preceding ****
> >
> > any large group initiative. I would bring together 5 to 10 vertically
> > positioned ****
> >
> > influencers as soon as possible and preceding the get together and
> confirm
> > sought ****
> >
> > desired outcomes, I would then ask them to brainstorm a list of important
> > topics****
> >
> > for this conversation and to rework the list into a vital few examples. I
> > would also ****
> >
> > encourage this group to recognize the significance of their role and to
> > serve as ****
> >
> > spark plugs to get the large group moving forward.****
> >
> > However the session is opened, I would include a design team member or
> two
> > to share their ****
> >
> > hopes and aspirations for this meeting, and to briefly share the list of
> > topics as examples ****
> >
> > for the 1,000 others to raise what matters most to them per the "high
> > performance ****
> >
> > system"sought.****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > This is a great opportunity for your government to work together.****
> >
> > I also look forward to learning about your experience and next steps.****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > Scott Gassman****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > On Tue, Jul 9, 2013 at 8:38 PM, Sharon Joy Chao <
> > sharon at seameo-innotech.org> wrote:****
> >
> > Need to figure a way of convening a thousand government people to go
> > through an exploratory discussion on high performance system, all under 4
> > hours.
> >
> > This happens next week down south in the city of Cebu. The focus is on
> the
> > Philippine government service, its performance management system and how
> it
> > can be truly essential, responsive and life-giving.
> >
> > Gail West, my OS mentor friend, has provided me with some incredible
> > suggestions on how to proceed and she also advised me to post on OSList.
> >
> > Any thoughts on how best to proceed with a cast of thousand in 4 hours
> > time?
> >
> > Maraming Salamat.
> >
> > ========================================
> > Sharon Joy Berlin Chao
> > SEAMEO INNOTECH
> > Commonwealth Avenue, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City
> > Metro Manila 1101 Philippines
> > Phone (632) 924-7681, 9267900
> > Fax (632) 928-7692
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org****
> >
> >
> >
> > ****
> >
> >  ****
> >
> > --
> > Scott Gassman
> > IdeaJuice
> > (917) 951 - 0258
> > scott.gassman at gmail.com
> > www.ideajuices.com
> >
> > America Speaks on Scott:
> >
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
> >
> > ****
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org****
> >
> >
> >
> > ****
> >
> > ** **
> >
> > --
> > Scott Gassman
> > IdeaJuice
> > (917) 951 - 0258
> > scott.gassman at gmail.com
> > www.ideajuices.com
> >
> > America Speaks on Scott:
> >
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
> >
> >
> > ****
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> Scott Gassman
> IdeaJuice
> (917) 951 - 0258
> scott.gassman at gmail.com
> www.ideajuices.com
>
> America Speaks on Scott:
> http://americaspeaks.org/facilitator-spotlight/spotlight-on-scott-gassman/
> -------------- next part --------------
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>
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> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 05:55:23 +0000
> From: K?ri Gunnarsson <kari.gunnarsson at simnet.is>
> To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
> <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
> Subject: Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> Message-ID:
> <CAEjHsLkxQsBT9UJyj76DV5Z9jtoRdcRnJAPDvWJvjB2K77eonA at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>
> A question here
>
> I have been a bit confused about the selection process for open space.
> In my last possibly large gathering, there I was opening up the idea
> to my client that we should have a self-selection of participants in
> the open space by use of open invitation letters to the possible
> participants. My client did not like that.
>
> How have these 1000 people been selected to take part in the open
> space and dose that mater in any way?
>
> with a breeze from Iceland
> K?ri
>
> On 10 July 2013 19:56, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
> > Sharon Joy -- What a joy (excuse the pun) to see you here! You do have a
> > hand full, but it will be fun. With large groups, my biggest concern is
> > always to have enough space. And 1000 people do need some major room to
> > maneuver, particularly when the time is short. Two spaces are critical:
> in
> > the center of the circle, and at the wall. With that many people I would
> > look for a center open space of 100 feet across. It is more than likely
> that
> > you will have 100-150 people all rushing to the center, and that will
> become
> > quite confusing if they don?t have any room. And at the wall ? remember
> that
> > there will be a time when you have 1000 people all trying to read what is
> up
> > there (issues) and make their session selections. If the wall is too
> short,
> > the people will bunch up, and when people are standing 5-6 deep, it will
> get
> > frustrating and things will move slowly. My rule of thumb is 6 inches of
> > wall per participant. That way people will never be more than 2-3 deep.
> You
> > can get away with less wall, but, but you do pay a price. In terms of
> time
> > periods I would suggest 1 ? hours for the opening, 2 -- 1 hour Sessions,
> and
> > a half hour for the close, maybe even less. It is all ?doable? but I do
> have
> > to ask: Why just 4 hours?
> >
> >
> >
> > I suspicion the answer is something like ? there will be speeches and
> > presentations in the morning, which presumably will provide the people
> with
> > the necessary inspiration and information to do the job. However, every
> time
> > I have been in a situation like that, the information provided was never
> > enough, and the inspiration imparted simply didn?t do the job. More to
> the
> > point, there is an implicit statement made which I find most troubling.
> It
> > would seem that the wisdom of the several ?presenters? somehow was equal
> to
> > and/or took precedence over the collective wisdom and experience of 1000
> > people. Of course this could be true, but if it is, I seriously doubt
> that
> > Opening Space will do all that much good. Probably better to just fire
> > (terminate) the lot. On the other hand, if that 1000 person collective
> > wisdom is of the sort and depth I suspect it to be ? the allocation of
> time
> > is, if nothing else, short sighted and disrespectful. It might seem that
> the
> > ?idiots and children? will be allowed a little play time after the
> experts
> > and adults have set the stage. Am I suggesting that you and your
> colleagues
> > thought this way? Definitely not. But that is a possible conclusion based
> on
> > the facts on the ground. And I have definitely experienced situations
> where
> > the ?thought? not only occurred, but was totally conscious. Worst case
> was a
> > CEO of a large American corporation who was heard to say, ?Never turn the
> > asylum over to the inmates.? The Asylum, of course was the company, and
> the
> > ?inmates? were all the employees. Is it any wonder that creativity and
> > innovation at that company were virtually non-existent, and that employee
> > morale was dismal? Thankfully the company is now out of business.
> >
> >
> >
> > Doubtless I have gone way too far here, and knowing you Sharon Joy, I
> know
> > that such thoughts would never enter your mind. That said, I find that
> > sometimes what we do speaks so much louder than what we think or say. And
> > even worse when our actions are the direct antithesis of our real
> > intentions.
> >
> >
> >
> > Harrison
> >
> >
> >
> > Harrison Owen
> >
> > 7808 River Falls Dr.
> >
> > Potomac, MD 20854
> >
> > USA
> >
> >
> >
> > 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
> >
> > Camden, Maine 04843
> >
> >
> >
> > 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<oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org>
> <oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org>]
> On Behalf Of Sharon Joy Chao
> > Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 8:39 PM
> > To: oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
> > Subject: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> >
> >
> >
> > Need to figure a way of convening a thousand government people to go
> through
> > an exploratory discussion on high performance system, all under 4 hours.
> >
> > This happens next week down south in the city of Cebu. The focus is on
> the
> > Philippine government service, its performance management system and how
> it
> > can be truly essential, responsive and life-giving.
> >
> > Gail West, my OS mentor friend, has provided me with some incredible
> > suggestions on how to proceed and she also advised me to post on OSList.
> >
> > Any thoughts on how best to proceed with a cast of thousand in 4 hours
> time?
> >
> > Maraming Salamat.
> >
> > ========================================
> > Sharon Joy Berlin Chao
> > SEAMEO INNOTECH
> > Commonwealth Avenue, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City
> > Metro Manila 1101 Philippines
> > Phone (632) 924-7681, 9267900
> > Fax (632) 928-7692
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > OSList mailing list
> > To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
> >
>
>
>
> --
> K?ri Gunnarsson
> kari at openspace.is
> gsm: +354 8645189
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 09:00:29 +0200
> From: Michael M Pannwitz <mmpannwitz at gmail.com>
> To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
> <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
> Subject: Re: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> Message-ID: <51DE580D.6040408 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
> Dear Kari,
> if an invitation is sent to all that the Planning Group (sponsor
> included) want to be at the event under the approach/question "who
> should be at the event so that the stuff we expect from the event under
> the Heading we came up with for the event will happen?" those receiving
> the invitation respond to the invitation the way one would usually
> respond: accept or decline (selfselection).
> Huge advantage of this selfselection is that the people picking up their
> spirit and body to come are the right people.
> People that come because they ought to, feel they have to, are forced to
> etc. are also selfselecting themselves.
> And all that show up hear my words about "The Law" and my invitation to
> "obey" it (at least twice in the event)... listening to their feedback I
> find that most folks find it liberating when they follow The Law, and
> stay and participate (passionately).
> Now, this is not really an answer to your question on the selection of
> the 1000 people.
> The event that HO refers to occasionally (the event with 2108
> participants) took place at the end of a five day conference with 3500
> folks in attendance. In the invitation to the conference people wanting
> to attend the OST part had to sign up for it seperately (this determined
> how many cushions we bought and how much food was supplied and how many
> toilets had to be set up etc.) and pay an additonal fee.
> In this way, following the invitation meant putting down some extra
> money, filling out a form with their contact data for the documentation
> all in addition to the decision that they wanted to be part of it. These
> kinds of commitments are perhaps trivial but many sponsors are trying to
> avoid to attach those commitments to the invitation to make it "easier"
> for people to come... also a form of control.
>
> Like the breeze from Iceland which actually arrived during the night and
> brought a refreshingly cool morning
> Greetings from Berlin
> mmp
>
> On 11.07.2013 07:55, K?ri Gunnarsson wrote:
> > A question here
> >
> > I have been a bit confused about the selection process for open space.
> > In my last possibly large gathering, there I was opening up the idea
> > to my client that we should have a self-selection of participants in
> > the open space by use of open invitation letters to the possible
> > participants. My client did not like that.
> >
> > How have these 1000 people been selected to take part in the open
> > space and dose that mater in any way?
> >
> > with a breeze from Iceland
> > K?ri
> >
> > On 10 July 2013 19:56, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
> >> Sharon Joy -- What a joy (excuse the pun) to see you here! You do have a
> >> hand full, but it will be fun. With large groups, my biggest concern is
> >> always to have enough space. And 1000 people do need some major room to
> >> maneuver, particularly when the time is short. Two spaces are critical:
> in
> >> the center of the circle, and at the wall. With that many people I would
> >> look for a center open space of 100 feet across. It is more than likely
> that
> >> you will have 100-150 people all rushing to the center, and that will
> become
> >> quite confusing if they don?t have any room. And at the wall ? remember
> that
> >> there will be a time when you have 1000 people all trying to read what
> is up
> >> there (issues) and make their session selections. If the wall is too
> short,
> >> the people will bunch up, and when people are standing 5-6 deep, it will
> get
> >> frustrating and things will move slowly. My rule of thumb is 6 inches of
> >> wall per participant. That way people will never be more than 2-3 deep.
> You
> >> can get away with less wall, but, but you do pay a price. In terms of
> time
> >> periods I would suggest 1 ? hours for the opening, 2 -- 1 hour Sessions,
> and
> >> a half hour for the close, maybe even less. It is all ?doable? but I do
> have
> >> to ask: Why just 4 hours?
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> I suspicion the answer is something like ? there will be speeches and
> >> presentations in the morning, which presumably will provide the people
> with
> >> the necessary inspiration and information to do the job. However, every
> time
> >> I have been in a situation like that, the information provided was never
> >> enough, and the inspiration imparted simply didn?t do the job. More to
> the
> >> point, there is an implicit statement made which I find most troubling.
> It
> >> would seem that the wisdom of the several ?presenters? somehow was equal
> to
> >> and/or took precedence over the collective wisdom and experience of 1000
> >> people. Of course this could be true, but if it is, I seriously doubt
> that
> >> Opening Space will do all that much good. Probably better to just fire
> >> (terminate) the lot. On the other hand, if that 1000 person collective
> >> wisdom is of the sort and depth I suspect it to be ? the allocation of
> time
> >> is, if nothing else, short sighted and disrespectful. It might seem that
> the
> >> ?idiots and children? will be allowed a little play time after the
> experts
> >> and adults have set the stage. Am I suggesting that you and your
> colleagues
> >> thought this way? Definitely not. But that is a possible conclusion
> based on
> >> the facts on the ground. And I have definitely experienced situations
> where
> >> the ?thought? not only occurred, but was totally conscious. Worst case
> was a
> >> CEO of a large American corporation who was heard to say, ?Never turn
> the
> >> asylum over to the inmates.? The Asylum, of course was the company, and
> the
> >> ?inmates? were all the employees. Is it any wonder that creativity and
> >> innovation at that company were virtually non-existent, and that
> employee
> >> morale was dismal? Thankfully the company is now out of business.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Doubtless I have gone way too far here, and knowing you Sharon Joy, I
> know
> >> that such thoughts would never enter your mind. That said, I find that
> >> sometimes what we do speaks so much louder than what we think or say.
> And
> >> even worse when our actions are the direct antithesis of our real
> >> intentions.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Harrison
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Harrison Owen
> >>
> >> 7808 River Falls Dr.
> >>
> >> Potomac, MD 20854
> >>
> >> USA
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> 189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
> >>
> >> Camden, Maine 04843
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> 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<oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org>
> <oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org>]
> On Behalf Of Sharon Joy Chao
> >> Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 8:39 PM
> >> To: oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
> >> Subject: [OSList] 1,000 participants in 4 hours
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Need to figure a way of convening a thousand government people to go
> through
> >> an exploratory discussion on high performance system, all under 4 hours.
> >>
> >> This happens next week down south in the city of Cebu. The focus is on
> the
> >> Philippine government service, its performance management system and how
> it
> >> can be truly essential, responsive and life-giving.
> >>
> >> Gail West, my OS mentor friend, has provided me with some incredible
> >> suggestions on how to proceed and she also advised me to post on OSList.
> >>
> >> Any thoughts on how best to proceed with a cast of thousand in 4 hours
> time?
> >>
> >> Maraming Salamat.
> >>
> >> ========================================
> >> Sharon Joy Berlin Chao
> >> SEAMEO INNOTECH
> >> Commonwealth Avenue, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City
> >> Metro Manila 1101 Philippines
> >> Phone (632) 924-7681, 9267900
> >> Fax (632) 928-7692
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> OSList mailing list
> >> To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> >> To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> >> To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> >> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
>
> ...
>
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