[OSList] Open Space and Authority

[Patricia Haines]

Has anyone done an OS with developmentally disabled adults? I'm starting to
work with the Self-Advocacy Association, and think such a gathering could
be transformative.
- Patricia Haines, Ithaca, NY
On Mar 29, 2014 4:57 PM, "Daniel Mezick" <dan at newtechusa.net> wrote:

>  I am asking for help. Will you help me clarify my thinking?
>
> I'm wondering if 100% equivalence in authorization for all participants is
> actually a key/defining characteristic of any genuine and authentic Open
> Space event...
>
>
> First things first. Definitions:
>
> Authority: The right to do specific work
>
> Authorization: The conferring of authority
>
> Formal Authority: Authorization conferred from the formal organization to
> a person. Example: "the CEO".
>
> Informal Authority: Authorization conferred from peers, colleagues and
> co-workers. Example: "emergent leadership".
>
>
> Now let's get into it. I currently think, and believe, that:
>
> 1. For an Open Space event inside an organization, the Sponsor must occupy
> a role with substantial formal authorization, definitely more than enough
> to actually authorize that OST event. The higher the level of formal
> authorization of the Sponsor, the better it is for the event overall.
>
> 2. The Sponsor authorizes the participants- the "invitees"-- to meet
> together, and do the specific work of exploring and investigating the
> Theme. This "authorized work" is done in "authorized space"...in that
> specific place, for a specific period of time. The Sponsor explicitly
> authorizes all of the above and conveys this message after they stand up,
> and before they sit down, at the opening.
>
> 2. The Facilitator is formally authorized by the Sponsor to do the
> specific work of OST event. Absent this authorization, the Facilitator has
> no standing.
>
> 3. This is the big one: Everyone else, Sponsor included, has 100%
> equivalent authorization (100% equivalent "right to do work") as of the
> moment of opening of the Bulletin Board and/or the opening of the
> Marketplace.
>
> 4. As the event progresses, authorization dynamics are in play. These
> "informal authorization" dynamics occur continuously throughout the day in
> real time, moment by moment. Those who experience net increases in levels
> of informal authorization as of the end of the meeting have membership in
> the "emergent leadership" group.
>
> I am very interested in what experienced folks think about the validity of
> the assertion in (3) above.
>
> Ex the Facilitator, does everyone else actually have 100% equivalent
> authorization in an OST meeting? Why or why not?
> Is this 100% equivalence of authorization actually a key/defining
> characteristic of any genuine and authentic Open Space event?
>
> Thanks for any insight you may be able to provide, and
>
> Kind Regards,
> Daniel
>
> --
>
> Daniel Mezick, President
>
> New Technology Solutions Inc.
>
> (203) 915 7248 (cell)
>
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> Twitter <http://twitter.com/#%21/danmezick/>.
>
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> <http://newtechusa.net/about/the-culture-game-book/>: Tools for the Agile
> Manager.
>
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>
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