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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>On <FONT size=2>Thursday, 1 September 2005
</FONT>Michael Herman wrote, in spite of technical problems, in posting to the
list:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>' ...judi, might you post your lesson plan from the school
day(s)?' </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>I am becoming increasingly aware, in the
course of a new project I am engaged in, of the power of appropriate questions
to open space for - or to invite - </FONT><FONT size=2>people to
respond as they would wish. And am keen to learn more about this.
</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Incidentally the term came to my notice just a few
weeks ago when a friend noted that his 16 year old daughter who has Down
Syndrome has a major problem socially in that she has not learned to ask
'appropriate questions'. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Judi's remarkably
comprehensive, insightful and story-packed follow up posting would
seem to indicate that Michael's question 'hit the spot' with
her. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Judi, I wonder if you would comment on how you
felt on seeing the question phrased in the particular way? 'Very cute'
...<grin> gives some
indication that Michael's </FONT><FONT face=Arial
size=2>'conversing with metaphor' was integral to your emotional response.
See </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2><A
href="http://www.cleanlanguage.co.uk/conversing.html">http://www.cleanlanguage.co.uk/conversing.html</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>And I wonder too what others have pondered
on what makes a question 'appropriate' to particular contexts? -
in both everyday personal ife and in 'business' situations. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>With love</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Alan </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hong Kong </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>PS Doug Germann's periodic incisive
questioning has brought forth an array of resource materials. One which I
noted, ordered through Amazon, and which arrived only yesterday is "change your
questions change your life - 7 powerful tools for life and work' by Marilee
Adams. Berrett Koehler.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>This comes with a strong endorsement from
someone who also is also published by this company :-) </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=judir@accesswave.ca href="mailto:judir@accesswave.ca">Judi Richardson
PONO</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A
title=OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
href="mailto:OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU">OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Friday, September 02, 2005 5:26
AM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Lesson Plan?</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV class=Section1>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Michael and Alan—the “Lesson Plan” – very cute,
indeed. Okay here goes. About 2 months prior to OSonOS I get a
call from the co-chair of the association of over 200 Principals and
Vice-principals in the region. She and the other co-chair had attended
an evening “demo” of OST I did for the local association of business women who
could not quite figure out what the heck “Judi does” and as I enjoy OST as one
of the things I do, I gave them a taste so they could have conversations about
their association!! That evening they asked about how I had specifically
applied OST as a Prof in College and University and with the P to 12 system in
assisting the League of Peaceful Schools. When I received the call these
two women were excited about the possibilities. In fact both had gone
right back and held the rest of their staff meetings for the year in circle –
no tables. So – she tells me about the two day conference or summer
retreat for up to 200. I, of course, suggested 2 days in OST. They
already had some bookings for the first day. And they had talked the
session they attended up so much the VP’s and P’s wanted to know the in’s and
out’s of application, more than just experiencing
it.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">One day for training 200 in Open Space? Hmmm….
Okay so I’m playing in the realm of all possibility and potential because
OSonOS is coming and that is my playground. The most I’ve had in an OST
learning lab is about 35. So, I remember back a few years to Julie
inviting Judi, Michael H. and Chris C to <st1:State
w:st="on">Alaska</st1:State> through a <st1:place w:st="on">School
District</st1:place>. Two days of OST for about 300 and then 2 days of
training for 60. Large circle, using a microphone, 3 different styles –
it all just emerged and we had a blast!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">So I met to find out what day one was all about –
communication. I was very straightforward, agreed with them, and
suggested they might want to bring that down to a more workable size. I
have watched myself and others delight in hiding behind large, vague
statements like that. I spoke to a few of the membership and heard that
on a personal level overwhelm, dealing with discipline and conflict, along
with all the lists you and I could easily make were the hot items. Also
the fact that they are in separate schools and really wanted to talk to each
other about what really matters. Then I meditated and hung out for
a few days on what one day of OST with a minimal amount of instruction could
bring to the group.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">What I love most is watching a system connect to
itself – seeing people “remembering” their knowing. And I have seen how
even a couple of hours of OST can unleash that. So – okay Universe –
bring it on. I checked out and even spoke to a speaker or two from the
first day to find out their focus. What also has become clearer and
clearer when I’m asked to mentor OST or give learning labs is the deep and
personal connection people make to the simplicity. When that deep
connection is made they usually say – hey this isn’t anything new, and I say
right on you already know it.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">So – when they asked for 45 minutes to one hour of
“overview” prior – I knew that I couldn’t just have them sit as I went over
the basics….. yawn! So I chose to cover the story – what, when, where,
why of OST. We explored the future being created in webs of human
conversation in small groups, creating compelling visions. We explored
chaos and control – and I laugh as one woman even said out loud and hit her
head – There is no Control, There is no Control! And then as I used
video clips and the posted matrix and signs as demos – we explored the
simplicity of form of OST AND related it to ourselves personally. The
Circle, Breath, Givens (personal as boundaries), emergent qualities – staying
with what wants to express itself even when uncomfortable, the question
(appreciatively and to build a compelling vision), accountability, passion and
responsibility, marketplace and newswall, meeting format, facilitator,
decision making (using the brilliant example of the answer emerging from the
center at OSonOS), individual and collective, conflict, OST as cosmic mirror
or group awareness, generative listening – the space inside. I also
shared some of the <st1:country-region
w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>/<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region
w:st="on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place> research I was involved in with
the Conference Board of Canada in org. culture and the quality of the space in
which meetings take place. We also explored how richer our time
together is when we talk about what matters. And they loved the “dead
moose” analogy of course.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">And when they were ready to jump into OST (or when the
bladders were calling from morning coffee) – we broke, straightened up the
circle. Because they were watching to apply what they had just explored,
they were incredibly attentive – increasing my mindfulness as I walked the
circle and opened the space.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Noisy – this group was engaged from the start – we
laughed and laughed. The laughter really stands out in my mind and
heart. This is the educational system my sons grew up in and several of
their teachers where participants. My sons – and yeah I’m biased – have
grown up to be amazingly decent human beings – caring and funloving.
They are a product of this system. To be given the opportunity to give
back to that system and see the rejuvenation and capacity building in the
group – well how cool is that?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Theme: System Communication: What’s
Possible?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Topics generated:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How to make synergy work in a
school<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Communication - Quality over quantity
works<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Developing Integrity of
Conversation<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Building collaboration and respect with a new school
community<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How to open a conversation about a topic everyone has
already shut down about.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How can we create more opportunities for
administrators to share insights, expertise, experiences, etc., without a set
agenda? ie informal networking<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How to create a time and space for parents to
communicate and participate in school culture and
community<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How would you like to see your relationship and
communication with your Board member?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Sharing Board initiatives (directives) with
staff<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Friendly vs. Friends: Building rapport with
students<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How can we foster more open dialogue/conversation
among school administrators<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How do we open communication with external agencies
who will support<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Issues around making a move to a new building and/or a
new position.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How would you see this process working with parent
concerns in your school?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How to build collegial
relationships<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Creating a climate for an opportunities for staff
meetings that are meaningful<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Supportive Supervision – Cooperative evaluation
“TIME”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">What are some creative ways support teachers with time
to engage in ongoing P.D.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Building rapport and sense of trust with staff,
students, and parents in a new school community.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How can we foster a culture of trust and collaboration
in a staff that makes unhealthy assumptions about each
other?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">What strategies could be used to improve staff
relations with a colleague that is negative?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Staff “meetings” – need to have them to pass along
info (traditional model) vs. making the meetings meaningful, productive, and
collaborative and engaging ALL.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How can we help parents create a safe home
environment?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">How do we weave together what needs to happen in the
school, in the context of students’ learning and the expectation of central
office? Or Are they all givens?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">In the closing circle they spoke from their
hearts. Throughout the day more topics emerged – one gentleman sat with
me and shed a few tears about how some of the students he works with are
treated at home which lead to a session entitled: how can we support
parents in creating a safe home environment? He completely stayed away
from blame – amazing. Administrators said they never see their School
Board members so a Board member posted - How would “you like” to see your
relationship and communication with your Board member? It was rewarding
for them to articulate their discoveries, the freedom they discovered in the
space they created.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Connections were made, best practices shared,
storytelling sessions, commitment to initiatives. Before the day was
out, one principal was talking to me about bringing the “family” of schools
together at the end of September – possibly just teachers and administrators
and staff in the beginning. I have agreed to work with them with the
request of a few teachers to mentor – building internal capacity. Five
or six came up inquiring about a couple of days of training. Over 100
left their names for more info!! And I’ve sent that already. A few
suggested mentoring circles and they got together right
away.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">One of the Principals in the closing circle said that
he is having 100 business cards made with “Whatever happens is the only thing
that could” and giving them to the first 100 parents who complain!! Yup
– that really brought laughter…..<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">And the group did handwritten reports, is having them
typed and I’ll have a copy when done – so I’ll keep you
posted.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><FONT face=Century size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Century">Judith
Richardson</SPAN></FONT></st1:PersonName><FONT face=Century size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Century">, MA, BA, BEd,
MEC</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Century size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Century">PONO Consultants
International</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Century size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Century">Optimizing Performace, Potential
and Profitability</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Century size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Century">Phone:
902.434.6695</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Century size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Century">FAx:
902.435.1085</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Century size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Century">Winner International Coach of
the Year 2004</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Century size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Century">Nominee Progress Club Woman of
Excellence 2005</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>* *
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