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<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Sorry if you get this twice – I posted it a few
hours ago, and it hasn’t shown up . . . I believe the OSList was sending
to an inactive account . . . Hopefully this one will fly </span></font><font
face=Wingdings><span style='font-family:Wingdings'>J</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Greetings folks . . . Below is today’s posting
to my blog <a href="http://www.creatingspaces.blogspot.com/">http://www.creatingspaces.blogspot.com</a>
– One of the questions during this event was whether there has been good
“accounting” or reporting of Open Space events worldwide. I know
there is some . . . but I also know that there are 1000s of OS events happening
around the world with little documentation . . . Here’s one . . .</span></font></p>
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style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Wishing everyone the best!</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>b</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Open Space - Expect to be SURPRISED! Thursday, I
opened space for the MBA program I referenced in my last post. Self-preparation
for opening these "small spaces" turns out to be more
"difficult" for me. Finding personal focus and center is more of a
challenge when the "event" happens in the midst of an otherwise
tumultuous schedule (Real estate business). The larger Open Space events
typically "own" the entire day allowing me more "control"
over the "noise" around me. I did what anyone would do - Made the best
of what I had. I had prepared my posters and time matrix the day prior and had
assembled all of the"tools" for the event, so all I really needed to
do was to collect my thoughts and my peace so as to be able to present with
confidence.<br>
<br>
I was actually more nervous than I have EVER been as I drove to the School . .
. Feeling less prepared . . . and having some trepidation with the fact that I
was not immersed in the full meaning of the Theme. I had only been contacted to
do this 3 days prior and only knew the theme 48 hours prior. There was little
time for preparation. My only saving mantra was: "With a good Heart and a
good head, anyone can open space . . . and it ALWAYS works." The unique
ingredient present for these OS events in the "academic world" is
that the participants are present more to actually assess/evaluate the process
than to "engage" in the Theme. My "challenge" is to present
a safe enough environment in my 20 minute opening to shift that energy from
assessment to engagement . . . and then to hold the space for the remaining 30
minutes to give them time to find some level of immersion so as to cultivate a
field for emergent "REAL" issues and opportunities related to the
theme. I have gambled 3 times now that it would work . . . and 3 times, I have
been validated with amazing results.<br>
<br>
When I arrived at the school (11:00 AM) the professor met me and said that the
room still had another class in it - We went to his office and sat for @ 15
minutes and talked . . . This was my "shifting" time from Real Estate
to Open Space. I felt myself finding focus very quickly. It was just what I
needed. At </span></font>11:15, we walked down to the room . . . The students
from the class before were just beginning to leave the room. The room was very
full of tables/chairs in rows . . . I began hanging my posters while the
professor engaged the incoming students in the task of "undoing the
room." In a short 5 minutes, the physical space had been fully prepared
with 45 chairs in a perfect circle and all the pertinent posters arranged
around the room . . . At 11:22, all of the students were seated in the circle
and we began the opening . . . SEVEN MINUTES to prepare the space - WOW!<br>
<br>
I found my "flow" quickly in the opening. The energy in the room was
good. It was apparent to me that this was "just another class" for
the participants and that there was really no expectation that there would be
any benefit derived for them other than to witness the process (Open Space
Technology). Attention was high in the sense that I felt that they were
listening and understanding. When it came time for the students topost their
issues and opportunities relating to the Theme "The Role and Integration
of International Students in the School" there was VERY little movement
towards the center of the circle. One student posted a topic - Led to another .
. . and then "an International Student" stood and came to center and
explained his issue very passionately . . . He was then followed by a series of
other International Students with equally passionate issues.<br>
<br>
The Marketplace opened and sessions began . . . We only had @ 15 minutes for
sessions because the posting period took longer than I expected . . . and it
took the group @ 5 minutes to sort iself into 6 groups . . . 15 minutes of
passionate discussion - I saw butterflies AND bumblebees . . . All the
components were present. And I rang the bells for "Evening News."
Everyone returned to the circle, and we had some AHAs . . . Turns out, there
were several real issues identified in that short period of time . . . and
there were connections made which were sure to result in continued dialogue
after the class.<br>
<br>
I was asked to comment on the session: "Was this normal? Seems there were
fewer postings than everyone expected, but the results were VERY passionate and
meaningful dialogue." If there had been a different topic, would there
have been more "success" in terms of more topics posted? My
reflection was that this Theme was a "sleeper" . . . a "Dead
Moose Topic" for the school and that I believe the conversation has never
been given "Appropriate space"- The International Students are
naturally more "reserved" . . . There are/were many real issues which
have not been "aired" because, in fact, the integration of the
International students (While considered to be EXTREMELY important to the faculty
and administration) was woefully inadequate. <br>
<br>
At the conclusion of the class, we had 5 minutes to "re-do" the room
for the next class. I took the posters down while the participants rearranged
the furniture. there was NO time for closure . . . BUT . . . As I was walking
out the door, 2 students approached me and announced themselves as the 2
student Leaders of International Relations for the school. They had both just
happened to have been members of this class and had participated and listened
passionately. They thanked me for the opportunity and told me that they had
identified 3 "initiatives" which they were going to implement
immediately.<br>
<br>
So I say again EXPECT TO BE SURPRISED! These students expected to witness a
"Change Management Facilitation Process for Large Group
Self-Organization" and what they got is that PLUS a new direction for the
International Student Integration into the school . . . In EXACTLY 90 minutes.<br>
<br>
I am not "consulting" for/with this school, so it is not likely I
will hear how things will play out . . . but I do know that I will again be
invited for another small open Space for the Spring Class . . . and we'll
tackle another pertinent Theme for the school. Not every Open Space
"Practitioner" is an advocate for "small spaces" because of
the limitations of the space. A compressed period of time does not
"allow" for maturity of the space and the result is less likely to
yield "lasting change." My argument would be more along the lines
that assuming there are potential issues and opportunities (emergent, latent,
or obvious), a little Open Space is better than no open Space . . . because it
DOES offer breath and creates the possibility of new connections and community
. . .<br>
<br>
My next "official" Opening of Space will be for my own company. We'll
do a full day to explore issues and opportunities around our up-coming move to
a new (LARGE) office space and dealing with our recent growth . . . and
strategizing for future growth in the Middle Tennessee market.<br>
<br>
Best,<br>
<br>
b<br>
Barry Owen<br>
<a href="http://www.theowengroup.net">http://www.theowengroup.net</a> </p>
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font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Also . . . if you know of anyone (friend, family, work
associate) in need of help with real estate, please give me a call. I LOVE
referrals and treat them like royalty :-)</span></font></p>
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12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
10.0pt'>Website <a href="http://www.theowengroup.net">www.theowengroup.net</a></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
10.0pt'>Visit my BLOG @ <a href="http://creatingspaces.blogspot.com/">http://creatingspaces.blogspot.com/</a></span></font></p>
</div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><br>
Barry Owen</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Principal Broker<br>
The Owen Group<br>
Keller Williams Realty - </span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Green</span></font><font size=2
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size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Hills</span></font><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Market</span></font><font
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size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><br>
</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial'>2209 Crestmoor Road Ste 210</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><br>
</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial'>Nashville</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
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style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>TN</span></font><font size=2
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Direct - 615.568.2123<br>
Toll Free 866.375.0965<br>
Fax - 615.523.2462</span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Keller Williams Realty is a learning-based Training
& Consulting Company supporting our Real Estate Professionals by offering
business models, systems, tools, & support to Build Careers Worth Having,
Businesses Worth Owning, and Lives worth living . . . We are THE fastest
growing, most innovative real estate company in America. Check us out @ <a
href="http://www.theowengroup.net/">www.theowengroup.net</a> OR <a
href="http://www.geocities.com/barryo.geo">www.geocities.com/barryo.geo</a></span></font></p>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>--<BR>
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.<BR>
Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.8/455 - Release Date: 9/22/2006<BR>
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