<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Testing if my posting (via gmail account) goes through this time with an Open
Space story; thx Michael for your work on this. Like Lisa, Diane Gibeault and others, my posts have not been going through these past few months.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago, I was referred a client by one of my business
partners.<span> </span>A president of a family-owned
mid-size business wanted to have a retreat meeting with family members working
for the business (sons, son-in-law, others) and others, not working for the
company who he felt were interconnected with its success through their support
(spouses, children, and others).<span> </span>In total
a group of 12 who were on vacation at Disney World, a few hours away from my
home. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I suggested Open Space.<span>
</span>We came up with a simple theme: My Company, My Family, My Life and My
Future. <span> </span>We created an enticing
invitation with a few thought-provoking questions.<span> </span>I stopped in briefly the night before to
introduce myself in person. <span> </span>I had spoken
with the President, his 14-year-old daughter and 13-year-old nephew discussing
how they would be welcoming the group and how the host would describe the context and purpose of
the gathering.<span> </span>Everyone was very nice
though it felt a little awkward as I could feel their questions and the touch
of nervousness that happens when people wonder “what the heck will this meeting
be about; who is this person anyway and will I need to talk in front of everybody?” </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I drove home that night thinking WOW, will this really work?<span> </span>I quickly went through Harrison’s ideal
conditions for an Open Space: issue of major concern, high levels of
complexity, diversity, actual or potential conflict, and urgent decision time
of yesterday.<span> </span><b>Ouch</b>, except for diversity
none of these really applied.!<span> </span>Then
somehow, deep inside myself, I said, it worked with my family when we did Open Space at Christmas, it will work
with theirs. They’ll have an opportunity to have intimate conversations
with everyone equal sitting in circle. We’ll be opening space and time so they can
hear each other in different ways, not according to their family roles, work roles or age,
but as unique individuals with their own thoughts, feelings and dreams.<span> </span>That’s how I would open the circle. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As usual, I should not have worried. From the moment I walked
into their rented house, I had an army of people helping set up the rooms, the
posters, the circle, everything. So much laughter and brimming enthusiasm. Then, what a gift it was to see the topics
emerge (14 in all) and to hold the space as they jumped into their
conversations huddled in small groups then gathering in large groups as they
became bumble bees. I felt the spirit of play and the intensity of their
sharing. <span></span>I had set up a news room and
WOW, they typed no less than reports generated from 3 sessions of 1 hour
each.<span> </span>I quietly took photos, and then
sometimes went outside wanting to leave them their privacy as I felt them
discovering each other in new ways.<span> </span>The
timid 13 year old was coming into his own, all age groups (parents, kids,
spouses, nephews, etc) sitting on the floor or sprawled on chairs totally engaged
– no status, no experts, no set roles just family sharing in new and different
ways.<span> </span>I had introduced them to a
talking piece that they could use during their discussions knowing from previous
experience with my family that sometimes the adults (moms and dads) talk too
much.<span> </span>It seemed to work.<span> </span>The closing circle was touching and when I
got home that night, looking at all the photos, I knew that magic had happened
again.<span> </span>The next day, I pulled together
their photo album capturing the theme, the basic principles of Open Space and
the 4 principles of life (and Law of 2 feet) that they had been exposed to
along with the special images of that day and all their printed reports.<span> </span>It would anchor the experience and leave them with a cellular memory of
this gathering capturing in the moment expressions and emotions.<span> They had shared dreams, talked about work, family and life. <br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes opening space, everywhere and anywhere is what I want to
do and will do. And it feels so wonderful to be able to share these simple stories here in our Open Space community. Hope it goes through. <font size="4"> :-}</font></p><p class="MsoNormal">Hugs to all, Suzanne<br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p>
<br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Suzanne Daigle<br>NuFocus Strategic Group<br>7159 Victoria Circle<br>University Park, FL 34201<br>FL 941-359-8877; <br>CT 203-722-2009<br><a href="http://www.nufocusgroup.com" target="_blank">www.nufocusgroup.com</a><br>
<a href="mailto:s.daigle@nufocusgroup.com" target="_blank">s.daigle@nufocusgroup.com</a><br>
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