[OSList] Open Space for my own team

[paul levy via OSList]

Dear Agnieszka

You've probably heard from a lot of people or read in a manual somewhere
that a facilitator shouldn't participate during an open space event.

My view is that it is not always the case. There may be good reasons in a
particular context for the facilitator to remain in a clearly defined and
detached role. In other contexts it is perfectly acceptable for someone to
facilitate the opening of a space and also join in. All they need do is
offer up a session at the marketplace like everyone else.

I facilitate several open space events in Brighton each year where I also
am a participant. To quote Kurt Vonnegut: "So it goes."

I've done it many times and heard it done by others.

But where, in the particular local context that might create confusion or
difficulty, it might be better not to.

The underlying principle at work here is that, as soon as the word "should"
is mentioned in advance of any community's particular and unique open
space, we have possibly cursed the future with the mediocrity of the
present (and the past). When the space opens, whatever happens, happens,
and it will be beautiful. "Shoulding" in advance is like telling a child
what they ARE going to be when they grow up.

warm wishes

Paul Levy

On 19 November 2014 07:58, Agnieszka Maja Wawrzyniak via OSList <
oslist at lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I am to facilitate an Open Space for a team I am a part of and I really
> would like to participate, but as a facilitator, I know I shouldn't.
> We will probably not able to hire an external facilitator, so I'm tryng to
> work this out...
>
> Do you have similar experiences? Any ideas? Recommendations?
>
> Greets
> Agnieszka
>
>
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