[OSList] Highly Controversial Group

[Christine Whitney Sanchez]

Hello Cecilia,

Thanks for bringing this question to our community.

Do you just have one day in Open Space?  What is the convening question?

If there is enough time, I often begin such an event with Appreciative Interviews prior to opening the space.  My experience is that with a good set of questions, people not only feel heard/acknowledged for what they bring to the situation but they will also enter the open space focused on what they want (passion and responsibility).
Warm wishes from muggy Phoenix,

Christine 

Christine Whitney Sanchez, Partner
Innovation Partners International
Phoenix, AZ, USA  +1.480.759.0262
www.innovationpartners.com 



On Jul 26, 2013, at 12:39 PM, "Cecilia Soriano" <csoriano2508 at yahoo.com.ar> wrote:

Hello everybody!
 
I have a big challenge and I need your wisdom!
The next next Thursday, I will be facilitating an OS, with a group of 190 Secondary School Principals. Is a highly controversial group in a very politicised and complicated context... (ideal for open space isn't it?)
 
But in my practice, I haven´t had the opportunity to meet with groups like this...where there is much aggressiveness and the bonds of trust are very damaged...
I would like to learn from your experience. and know what warning should I take?
 
Some Context:
My client told me that there are very opposing groups. And in their regular meetings (not in open space) there are people who start to scream and insult boycotting all the meeting and not allowing the dialogue... If happen a situation like that, at the beginning of the circle, which do you recommend to do?
 
In addition to breathe, breathe and hold space... "confidence in people and in the process"
In imagie that facing that hypothetical situation... It would be correct to give them the space of listening, and then tell them that they can leave if they are not comfortable there... Although it would be very important to stay to make their contribution...
And then continue with those who want to follow...
 
What do you think about that? Which is your experience in similar cases? 
 
Grateful for your comments!
Warm greetings from the Argentine winter.
 
Cecilia
 
Mobile: 00 54 9 341 6657790
skype: cecisoriano
www.conversacionesparatodos.com
 
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