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<DIV><SPAN class=800335721-15121998><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2>I
continue to experiment with opening small spaces, sometimes in the context of
other processes. I have seen some remarkable breakthroughs, some good
discussions and a couple of fizzles. I do think it relates to the nature of the
group and the task at hand (as it always does). It is a risk, but so is a 2.5
day event. In 2.5 days people ususally have enough time to work things out--but
not always.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=800335721-15121998><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=800335721-15121998><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2>I
included a four hour open space in a six hour planning process recently and
it was extremely successful---clients words. It was a group of 15 people. The
first two hours were to set context and discuss strategic assumptions for an
Opthamology Department under siege. The Open Space was 1/2 hr opening, two 45
minute start times, 1/2 hour next steps and 1/2 hour closing. They created five
vision elements for the future of the department with will enthusiasm--they were
pumped. At a 3 month follow-up, they had made real progress on all five possible
strategic directions and we reviewed and set further priorities for action in a
couple of hours.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=800335721-15121998><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=800335721-15121998><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2>I
tried to negotiate more time--being doctors they said no. It was drop the
contract or do what I could. Being doctors they were used to workingin 45
minute time frames. The task was clear, the size was small, the context was
set--and new energy and idea breakthrough happened. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=800335721-15121998><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=800335721-15121998><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial
size=2>Larry</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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