[OSList] Super-small open space

[Michael M Pannwitz]

For groups that are very familiar with OST and with each other, we have 
used the "silent introduction" (the particular group I am thinking of 
potentially has a dozen participants but in practice it varied from 5 to 
12 folks... I think they met about 20 times so far and at least the last 
8 times in the fashion described below).
But first, all set up the space: chairs, the center, bulletin board, 
schedule, breakout spaces, signs... the whole enchilada.
Then we sit in the circle, look around, calling the principles to our 
minds... enjoying the quiet. And about 7 to 10 minutes later, the first 
issue is offered and posted and then it continues as "usual".

If you like, all facilitate or more clearly, nobody facilitates.

This is a little bit like the leap from the "InterActive" to the 
"Inspired" organisation... described in detail by our Man with the Hat 
in "The Power of Spirit - How Organisations Transform" and summarized in 
a neat little chart on page 106 of that book...
This way of doing it preserves the "ritual" without the one 
facilitator... experience has shown me that it will not be satisfactory 
without the "ritual" (we tried OST events without the usual 
introduction... it was not a flop but it was tedious).

Greetings from Berlin where my old bones enjoy a warm late summer day
mmp

On 17.09.2013 12:21, Phelim McDermott wrote:
> 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
> -----------------------------
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> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On 16 Sep 2013, at 23:54, Lisa Heft <lisaheft at openingspace.net
> <mailto: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
>>
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-- 
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin, Germany
++49 - 30-772 8000



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