[OSList] Super-small open space

[ANNE BENNETT]

Wholeheartedly agree Phelim - thanks you! - that was my experience in a recent OSonOS (we know who we were, but felt lonely with my pain during it!) - "lets just do it" - "but but - can we be a circle first please?" - "the space is open!" (ie whats your problem control freak)
 
from Anne in Autumnal Bristol
 
 
From: Phelim McDermott <phelim at mac.com>
To: World wide Open Space Technology email list <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org> 
Cc: World wide Open Space Technology email list <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org> 
Sent: Tuesday, 17 September 2013, 11:21
Subject: Re: [OSList] Super-small open space



I have one small thing to contribute re small groups as we often do an open space for improbable sometimes  with just 4 or 5 of us.. And yes we've done it with one! 

Anyway there can be a temptation we have had which is to not quite go through the process of opening and closing circle and using spaces we've pinpointed with quite enough clarity because we are familiar with it and... Well its just us and There's just a few. And how do you walk a circle when there's just two people etc.. 

Don't do that...

Times when we skipped that... the cobwebs haven't quite been cleared. 


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 16 Sep 2013, at 23:54, Lisa Heft <lisaheft at openingspace.net> wrote:


… to which I'd say - as you've already committed to the host that you'll lead something 'if' - prep them really well about breathing when they first see what to their eyes does not look like something happening quickly enough, or 'enough' enough. And to remind them not to jump in themselves just to fill in the space because they got anxious. Just to breathe. Because once you start leading something - and you know this, Gray - the entire dynamics shifts, for the rest of the meeting. You've established yourself as holding that certain kind of power from that point forward - at least that's how it would be with most groups - you know your own group and its individual players best. I know that you have the nuanced kind of languaging and the physical-and-other presence to open and invite and name and breathe with them in a way that will open up so much space that there will be no need or reason to 'lead' anything.
>
>
>Especially if you go out at sunrise to the water's edge and to see if you can find and watch the dragon boat practices happening under the changing sky, before you come in to facilitate each day… ;o)
>
>
>Lisa
>
>
>
>
>
>  
>
>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
>
>
_______________________________________________
>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
>
_______________________________________________
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
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.openspacetech.org/pipermail/oslist-openspacetech.org/attachments/20130917/e3bd0e1f/attachment-0008.htm>