[OSList] Open Space and adults with a disability

[R Chaffe]

Patricia 

I use Open Space regularly with adults with a disability.  Remember who ever comes is the right people, my challenge is to ensure I find their ability and not be distracted.  These are people who have passions and are willing to take responsibility for their lives and their environment.  

OS has proved to be a great tool in discovering / revealing  abilities as those with limited expression find their voice.  We work with person centred plans, when the process of writing these plans moves beyond the dominance of concerned carers suddenly new life emerges and the impossible becomes possible.

Like all OS activities beware once the forces for change are released anything can happen.  Be prepared to be surprised!

Adults with a disability have been an inspiration to me.  Yes you have to context the work effectively and this does take time, but it is well worth while. Have a go.

Regards
Rob

> On 31 Mar 2014, at 11:04 am, Patricia Haines <levelgreen2010 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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)
>> 
>> Bio. Blog. Twitter. 
>> 
>> Examine my new book:  The Culture Game : Tools for the Agile Manager.
>> 
>> Explore Agile Team Training and Coaching.
>> 
>> Explore the Agile Boston Community. 
>> 
>> 
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