[OSList] Highly Controversial Group

[Harrison Owen]

Cecilia -- Christine’s question about amount of time is important. Trying to deal with a group of cantankerous folks in a short period of time is disrespectful to them and their concerns, and usually productive of less than optimal results. So ONE day minimum and better two. All that said, I would just jump in. Just like usual. And with all due respect to Christine, I would never start with anything... even something as wonderful as Appreciative Inquiry. My reason is simple. It simply takes up time that might better be spent on engaging the issues, and opening the space. But most of all, the folks really do not need a warm up. They will do just fine. 

 

Tell you a story. Several years ago I had the privilege of opening some space for 250 Rabbis and Imams all around the issue of peace. These weren’t just any Rabbis and Imams, but the major players in their respective worlds. The conference hosts thought that given the “senior nature” of the participants, and the delicate state of the world as regards Jews and Muslims, we had best start “traditionally and cautiously” (their words). So... they planned a first day of formal, get-to-know-you kinds of things with a follow-on of two days in Open Space. That was the plan.

 

I never attend formal sessions. I can’t stand them.  So I was completely surprised when I showed up for lunch to find the conference hosts in panic. They quickly explained that the morning session had degenerated into a screaming session with participants standing on the tables threatening each other. Wonderful! – And the question was – How quickly could I Open Space? I told them that I could move as soon as the hotel folks could change the room into a circle of chairs – but since we were hot and bothered and in need of Lunch, why not have a long lunch, take a deep breath, and space would be opened.

 

At 3 pm in the afternoon everybody was in a circle. All those wild combatants who were just about to kill each other in the morning... were sitting in a circle. And it just rolled out from there. No problems – but lots of intense, deep interaction.

 

So, my friend. Take a deep breath. Trust the people, forget the process (it will take care of itself). Always does.

 

Harrison

 

Harrison Owen

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USA

 

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Camden, Maine 04843

 

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www.openspaceworld.com 

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From: oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org [mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Cecilia Soriano
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2013 3:40 PM
To: oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
Subject: [OSList] Highly Controversial Group

 

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

 <http://www.conversacionesparatodos.com> www.conversacionesparatodos.com

 

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