<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Geneva" FAMILY="SANSSERIF" SIZE="2">Phil--<BR>
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Before I began doing more of my consulting work in Open Space, I had one project where everything that possibly could go wrong with the meeting space, equipment and preparations, went seriously wrong. It was so bad that it was a serious distraction for everyone, and the meeting went down in flames. So I do have a healthy respect for having a supportive environment.<BR>
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I've also done Open Space with some challenging shortfalls, and it didn't seem to matter. There is something wonderful about accepting what is there--and watching participants improvise workarounds and make themselves comfortable.<BR>
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One of the great things for me is that Open Space really requires very little--space for a circle, and some paper and tape are nice. At the end of the day, there is no question that it was the participants who created the magic and the results. Watching a CEO who has always had a secretary to do his typing, or a park maintenance worker who doesn't use a computer, sitting at the computer hunting-and-pecking a report in their own words is a wonder of personal responsibility and equality. I'm sure sticky walls are great, but there is something satisfying to me to watch convenors carefully blue-taping their session posters to the wall--and going back later to re-tape someone else's poster which is slipping toward the floor. Personally, I just love watching people take charge of the nitty-gritty of the day, and I notice that attitude carries over into the organization.<BR>
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I'm not putting down DesignShop, and there may be things we could learn from their work. And vice versa.<BR>
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Joelle<BR>
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