[OSList] Ang.: Super-small open space

[eiwor@gatewayc.com]

Hi Gray my experience from having facilitated quite a number of small OST meetings as well as large ones is that sometimes people want to stay together through all topics. One time they changed the whole agenda and since it is their meeting, they are free to do so. The only advice I give them is to not put two topics into one if they are not very sure that they are coming from the same perspective. I suggest they keep the two topics separate and maybe instead schedule them so they can attend each others sessions. 
OST works well with small groups, of course. The difficulty, as Harrison poitns out, is for the facilitator to be very present and hold steady in the opening and stay out of the space for the rest.
Would be nice to join in, have never been to Hawaii but it is on my wish list :-)
Eiwor
Skickat från min HTC

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Från: "Gray" <graydancer at gmail.com>
Till: "World wide Open Space Technology email list" <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>
Rubrik: [OSList] Super-small open space
Datum: tis, sep 17, 2013 00:10
Thanks, Harrison, and thanks, Lisa! 


That does reinforce what I was considering: to point out that this is an even greater opportunity to explore the topics and issues they are passionate about, with all the resources and attention they can bring to bear but fewer distractions.. I've had to reassure the hosts that if things don't move I'll lead a discussion (fishbowl style or some such) but I'm betting it won't be necessary. I think if I frame the opening invitation right, this will be a powerful day for those who come.


And if not, well, it is Maui, so...you're right, I'll have fun!


Thanks so much,


Gray


On Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 4:58 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:

It works just like usual. The only “problem” is that being “totally present and absolutely invisible” as the facilitator becomes more difficult. But definitely possible. Just make yourself “small.” I once had a group that was supposed to be 20 and 5 actually showed up (snow storm). I offered to cancel, and they said go for it. We did. It was wonderful. The 5 met in every permutation of 5 you can think of. The dynamics were precisely the same as with a group of 1000. The scale was a little different. I discovered that the wonderful thing about self organization in a fractal world is that it is all holographic. Even the smallest “piece” replicates the largest (piece). Have fun. I know you will.
 
Harrison
 

Harrison Owen
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From: oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org [mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Gray
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 5:04 PM
To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
Subject: [OSList] Super-small open space

 

Dear list,




 


I was hoping to draw upon your collective wisdom in regards to an upcoming open space I'm doing in Hawaii. Originally there were 30-50 people expected; however, moving the venue to Maui has shrunk the attendee list to ten or less.




 


I'm very experienced doing OS's with between 40-150, and once had a great one with only 15 people. I know that the structure will hold - but I'm wondering if anyone else has any specific tips, advice, or techniques for Very Small Open Spaces?




 


Gratefully,




 


Gray Miller
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