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<p>I'm in the room, most of the time, unless I get a feeling that
I'm getting "asked too much" with respect to organizing things.
(My answer is anyway "what would you like to happen?")</p>
<p>Apart from that, I'm wearing subdued colors (amazingly effective)
and avoid direct eye contact, listening more than "scanning" the
environment with my eyes. Since I'm not in a hurry or busy, I
guess I'm walking around the space in slow-mo. I love galleries
and other spots where I see the metaphorical forest, instead of
the trees. IMHO, minor interventions that are not directly related
to the process do not hurt, e.g. closing a door when some
obnoxious noise is coming from outside, or asking the venue staff
to refill beverage stands or replenish coffee.</p>
<p>I also do the famous collect-some-empty-cups walk and pick up
some garbage when I see it, but mostly because I am passing by
anyway and it feels meditative to me, not nanny-like. During an
open space, I never make "announcements"; the most intrusive thing
I do is to stick large PostIts to my belly and my back that say
"15 minutes until lunch/closing circle" (those who want or need to
see it, see it).<br>
</p>
<p>Rolf<br>
</p>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
«If it works, it's right.» | «Richtig ist, was funktioniert.»
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</pre>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">Jake Yeager via OSList schrieb am
08.02.20 um 19:44:<br>
</div>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite="mid:CAESAiLQCeNH8LibErKZmcpw=c9qVHFHq_gGSYPvjciG5q_YbXg@mail.gmail.com">
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<div dir="ltr">Many questions these days. Thank you for
entertaining them. :)
<div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>This past week, I facilitated an eight-hour Open Space
split across two half-days. The attendees were an
Organizational Development team, of which I am a member. My
AVP sponsored the event, because we had recently merged with
another group, and there was lack of clarity. So, our theme
was: "Who are we, and how do we collaborate to drive
success?" Also, my AVP--who is a leader in Learning &
Development--wanted to experience Open Space in order to
understand it better as it is new to my firm.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Since I am a fledgling facilitator, I chose not to
participate in the breakout sessions, even though I am part
of the group. I wanted to make sure that I provided the best
experience for everyone, and participating would have
dampened my focus. I shared this with my manager, after she
inquired after the first day why I had not participated.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Long story short, after the event, my manager had major
concerns how I facilitated the event. I had gone for long
walks while the group was working, and she felt that was
very risky. I told her that the facilitator's role is to
remain "invisible" to allow the group to build its capacity
for self-management. She said that our firm's culture is
very hierarchical and that "baby steps" are needed. She
suggested even intervening in a group if it gets "stuck." I
believe I mentioned that intervening is not part of Open
Space facilitation. <br>
</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>So my question is: how do you "hold space?" I found
Chris's description on his website: "an Open Space
Technology facilitator is neither seen nor heard, but his or
her presence is 'felt.'" I guess by going for long walks and
not being in the room, my presence was not "felt." One of my
colleagues provided feedback that by not being there, it
didn't seem like I cared. This is definitely not the case. I
went on long walks as an act of love, not negligence. </div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Anyway, would love your thoughts.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Thanks,</div>
<div>Jake<br clear="all">
<div>
<div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature"
data-smartmail="gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>________________</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>When the mind is quiet, the sun of your heart
will shine once again, and you will be free of
problems.</div>
<div> - <a href="http://www.robert-adams.info/"
target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">Robert
Adams</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br>
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