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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hello all</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Well, it has finally come to pass - opened space
(first time solo) for 20 people in the customer service group of a health
products company. We did a round of story telling the night before, followed by
a one day Open Space meeting, including a convergence piece at the end. It
worked wonderfully well, and I know the reason I was able to open and hold space
is that I knew I was not alone. Being part of this community has been a
wonderful learning, continually peeling into the essence as well as the
practicalities of OS. Thanks in particular to mentors such as Michelle Cooper,
Larry Petersen, Birgitt, and of course Harrison.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Here's the question - and it's all around
sustaining the momentum and positive energy of OS, and creating real results.
The management team of 3 was initially pretty sketical about the idea of using
OS, but became quite exuberant during the day. (Even got one freebie hug - "they
(front line staff) are smarter then we are - they picked up the concept in no
time"!) My perception is that the 3 managers are feeling somewhat overwhelmed by
what has been let loose! I have some rough ideas as to what they can do next,
all based on their own words - but would appreciate your comments:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>- "creating the environment for participation and
(team) spirit" - create some kind of ongoing communication piece - maybe a
simple bulletin board - where people who have initiated actions in the OS
meeting can post their progress, invite others to join in. This does not have to
be (should not be?) management led.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>- "achieving results" - management tracks the task
results which they are held accountable for, creating constant "mini-forums"
(mini open spaces) where ideas and involvement are solicited</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>- "managing expectations", particularly with the
manager's boss, and up...working with the management team to constatnly assess
the givens, make sure they are tracking with corporate strategic intent....
etc.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I know, and we know, that this is all about
creating the interactive organization. But I have to speak the language of the
client here, and they are just a little overwhelmed by the amount of spirit that
has popped out of the bag, and what to do next!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>With all my
thanks
........... Meg Salter</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>