<div>Just seen your OSList post.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I've been working with Open Space since the late 1980s and have seen the it evolve from something regarded as risky and left field into a mature, mainstream method with competitors (e.g. BarCamp <a href="http://barcamp.org/">http://barcamp.org</a>).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'd love to be able to say "I'm running an Open Space event - come and help me, and clock up some flying hours".</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But there are some buts:</div>
<ul>
<li>What the client is really paying for is the consulting work and the design and organisation of the event. Facilitating the event is the easy bit that happens at the end. So to get maximum value from working with an experienced practitioner you'd really need to be involved in the entire project.</li>
<li>
<div>How do I explain your presence to the client?</div></li>
<li>
<div>What would your role be on the day, aside from helping get the space ready? Once the agenda is created and the sessions are up and running, there's very little for the facilitator to do.</div></li>
<li>
<div>I'll probably get shot down in flames for saying this, but what the hell: Here in the UK, OS consulting is a crowded marketplace. Do I really want to help make it even more crowded?</div></li></ul>
<div>I mentioned that last point because I suspect that the "training a new competitor" issue is often there, if unconscious, when an OS consultant is asked "Can I be an extra pair of hands?" and it's best that you're aware of it. Although the Open Space community is very supportive, and I do whatever I can to share knowledge and help others, the reality is that we're operating in a very competitive environment. I've competed with friends and collaborators for OS work on several occasions.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>You might want to consider becoming a co-creator of Osuki (<a href="http://www.osuki.net/">www.osuki.net</a>), the community hub and resource centre for Open Space Technology in the UK and Ireland. For a one-off payment of £20 you can create your own page(s) and publish blog posts. The Osuki Consultants Register (<a href="http://www.osuki.net/?page_id=10">www.osuki.net/?page_id=10</a>)currently lists 18 people. Please send me an email if you'd like to make it 19.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I really question the value of sitting in on an OS event. What does this give you that you don't already have, aside from the ability to say to a potential client: "I helped facilitate an Open Space event for XYZ Corporation"? (Which would be stretching the truth!)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Far better to do a few pro-bono or low cost Open Space projects for local organisations and community groups, and learn from your mistakes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>If there's anything else I can do to help, please get in touch.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Wishing you success and satisfaction, </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Jack<br><br>Jack Martin Leith<br>Innovation Next : An emerging hub for innovation next practice<br>Bristol, United Kingdom<br>Mobile: 07831 840541 (+44 7831 840541)<br>Skype: jackmartinleith<br>email: <a href="mailto:jack@innovationnext.org">jack@innovationnext.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.innovationnext.org">www.innovationnext.org</a> | <a href="http://www.jackmartinleith.com">www.jackmartinleith.com</a><br><br>Follow me on Twitter for innovation news: <a href="http://twitter.com/jackmartinleith">http://twitter.com/jackmartinleith</a><br>
Join the management renegades at <a href="http://moon-shots.ning.com">http://moon-shots.ning.com</a><br><br><br></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">2009/5/5 David Vachell <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:david.vachell@btconnect.com">david.vachell@btconnect.com</a>></span><br></div>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="PADDING-LEFT: 1ex; MARGIN: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; BORDER-LEFT: #ccc 1px solid">Dear OSLISTers<br><br>I have been interested in OS for ages now. I read Harrison's book and was<br>enthralled and immediately went out looking for opportunities to put the<br>
wisdom into practice. I managed to open a couple of spaces when I worked<br>for a large UK telecomms company but struggled to get others as enthused<br>as myself about the power and potential of OS to create the shifts they<br>
said they wanted - I suspect something about the threat to political power<br>and status.<br><br>I am now working as a consultant helping organisations to create systemic<br>success and I would dearly like to use OS more comprehensively in this<br>
work. In order to do this with 'real' clients I feel that I need to move<br>beyond the status of a 'gifted amateur'. I have "lurked on this list for a<br>few years but haven't posted before - so here's my question to all you<br>
experienced OSers.<br><br>What suggestions would you make for me to move forward? I would be happy<br>to work with others to gain experience. I am based in the UK (Thames<br>Valley area) and would happily operate anywhere in the English speaking<br>
world.<br><br>Many thanks for any ideas<br><br>David<br><br>*<br>*<br>==========================================================<br><a href="mailto:OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU">OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU</a><br>------------------------------<br>
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<br>To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:<br><a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist" target="_blank">http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist</a><br></blockquote><br>
*
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