[OSList] org'n works too good to use OST.?

Mon Aug 25 13:52:37 PDT 2014

I love Peggy's stories of Spirited Work! I am not sure what it proves, if
anything, but my read is that when folks become comfortable (but not too
comfortable) living in the natural self organizing world, the necessity for
the minimal artifices of OST fall by the wayside. As they should. And what
remains is the essential conditions for deep human communication (aka "being
together productively). Curiously enough, the elemental rituals of Open
Space continued (in Spirited Work), but done in a (I would say) light
hearted fashion. I don't mean they were trivialized, but everybody (who
wanted to) had a part. I participated on several occasions, and I always
felt like this was an intimate family reunion. Certain things were done
because they had always been done (Turkey at Christmas) - but nobody (except
total newcomers) thought that the "things done" created the happening. They
simply acknowledged its presence. 

I think there is a real lesson here. Agonizing over how to motivate people
(as if there were a magic bullet/theme/warm-up) is really a waste of time.
Folks get excited/motivated about what they care about. Period. Full Stop.
Nothing else. They really get excited when they are INVITED to join others
who care about the same/similar things. After that... just get out of the
way. Before that (common caring)... not much makes too much difference. I
think.

Harrison

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From: OSList [mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of
Peggy Holman
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2014 11:57 AM
To: Open Listserv
Subject: Re: [OSList] org'n works too good to use OST.?

I love Chris' perspective. It's a time to build on success.

Another thought for you is based on your comment that the organization uses
OST more and more in every day life. During the seven years of Spirited Work
(a learning community of practice that met quarterly in Open Space), people
consciously lived in Open Space more and more. When we got together, I
noticed fewer issues would go up on the agenda wall. More people hung out as
butterflies. My interpretation was that people had grown to know each other
(even though about half the people were always there for the first time).
The emphasis seemed to shift from topics to relationships, to just hanging
out. It also seemed that to an extent, people knew who they wanted to talk
with and simply had those conversations. If others wandered over and joined
them, they were welcome. The atmosphere tended to be relaxed and fluid.

What went on the wall were topics where someone knew the subject but not who
they wanted to talk with about it. 

So circling back to Chris' comment, it may be time for a question around
"what's calling us now." To dream together is just the ticket.

appreciatively,

Peggy

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On Aug 24, 2014, at 1:19 PM, Chris Corrigan <chris.corrigan at gmail.com>
wrote:

When things are running smoothly that is a good time to do strategic
planning.  When folks are relaxed and happy it is a good time to ask
questions about where we are going and how to maintain this quality, improve
it and extend it.  

A day of OST under these circumstances can feel freeing, creative and
relaxing.  Staff won't feel the pressure to be perfect, but instead can
relax into exploratory conversations and idea generation that may spark
creativity and innovation.  It becomes a reward for everyone to have a day
of dreaming when things are going so well.  

In my 15 years of consulting I have only had that situation arise twice.
most times people are forced into doing planning when things are
challenging.  It is a sweet luxury to have space to open when things are
going well.

Chris

On Aug 24, 2014, at 8:07 AM, Thomas Herrmann
<thomas at openspaceconsulting.com> wrote:

again many thanks for all interesting perspectives and ideas. I sure feel
floating in your wisdom (-: and I love floating!
I am having discussions with the leadership to make some adjustments
including no presentations. Instead an email reminder including info from
the action teams + some clarification regarding the invitation. Actually
this is one of the times I did not get to have a look at the invitation
before it went out, although I  always ask to have a look before.

Hege, I love the idea of naming the challenge we faced last Friday, even if
the actual result seems very valuable. But I would love leadership to
clarify the invitation before Friday. Even if it could be an interesting
discussion to have with the group I think the invitation should be clear
before, so that people show up!

I will let you know how it all went!
Hugs
Thomas

23 aug 2014 kl. 14:31 skrev Thomas Herrmann
<thomas at openspaceconsulting.com>:

Had a "funny" experience yesterday when I facilitated an OST with an
organization that I mentioned about earlier, they have dived into OST and
use the approach more and more in everyday life. Every August they have 1-2
days with all employees. Last year we had 2 full days (twice with half the
staff each time) in OST resulting in a total of 23 action plans implemented
by self managed workgroups. We have had follow up meetings reporting the
progress from teams that now have dissolved or are still working. Their
business (a hospital) now runs really smoothly, producing well over targets
with energy and high spirit.
Out of different reasons the message for the first of this years conferences
(one full day, next Friday is the next - for the other half of the staff)
was a bit blurry (in my opinion/how I experience it) so the energy was not
so high (setting agenda was really slooooow, didn't experience anything like
that in the hundreds of events I have facilitated!) and some thought the day
was a bit boring/slow. At the end most who were still there were happy(some
left early - long day on Friday is not a good choice either)  - 9 action
plans with concrete improvements! I used re-opening space, so it was all by
invitation (-:

Anyhow, a challenge may be to find a really hot theme when business runs so
good. I am now in communication with the leadership about how we can get the
steam going better next Friday.
Any experiences to share, ideas and/or suggestions?
Warm regards
Thomas Herrmann
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