>We wish to share this story just to let you know that if Open Space can
work
>so well with the military, and so well for such detailed work, that it can
>work anywhere.
>
>As some of you know, Virginia Burt (landscape architect specializing in
>sacred spaces and healing gardens) and I, Birgitt Bolton, (organizational
>learning consultant specializing in potential unlimited through Open Space)
>have joined forces in a number of projects in which I (Birgitt) facilitate
>an Open Space Technology meeting (often preceded by a story telling
evening)
>to engage a community group/stakeholder group/company in developing their
>ideas for their landscape (yes, I mean physical landscape). And then
>Virginia has considerable data from which to do the landscape design for
the
>land, based on what the client group really wants, really has passion for.
>
>We have learned a considerable amount about how well using Open Space
>Technology delivers data detailed enough for a landscape architect to use
to
>do her work. When I do the Open Space, I view myself as having two
>"clients". The company and Virginia. If I have the Open Space set with the
>right theme and have done a good job with both the organizational givens
and
>the landscape givens, the data flows directly to that which Virginia needs.
>The theme and givens are key. I view it as getting the "toboggan" going
down
>the right hill. If I get the toboggan going down the wrong hill, we might
>have a great meeting, but we won't get what Virginia needs to do her
design.
>This is Open Space at its best for product development or for planning.
>Virginia and I will be presenting a paper about the magic that is possible
>at the Canadian Council of Planners in Montreal Quebec in June. They are
>very intrigued with the use of Open Space for detailed and prioritized
>planning.
>
>Anyhow, our client group this last time were the military. No
this was not
>an open space to look at issues and opportunities for transforming the
>military (alas) but for me it was the next best thing. The landscape to be
>developed was 102 acres at one of their most important national
>institutions. The open space took place while there was a gathering of
>leading military officers from across the country which also meant that it
>was a time of lots of military ceremonies on the site while we were there.
>There were 60 people that took part in the Open Space. 7 generals, a
>brigadier general, some colonel's, several commandants, etc, etc. Mostly
>men, mostly older, many with education as engineers. Just the sort of mix
>that I've heard tell Open Space will not work with. A few women in the mix,
>a bit of age diversity with some younger cadets. Mostly people used to
>command and control. Very steeped in being used to being obeyed.
>
>We did a story telling evening prior to the open space. To honour the past
>and present before looking at the future. The history of the land we were
>looking at was so steeped in tradition, ceremony, history and memories that
>conflict was expected as very differing passions abounded. I had been told
>ahead that we would experience much conflict. For many,no change was
wanted.
>For others, they knew that survival depended on looking to the future. So,
>after supper, I had these very dignified persons meet in a circle. And then
>used process facilitation methods to do the storytelling. I placed a group
>of my favourite stones in the centre of the circle, invited the
participants
>to choose a stone (which they each did) despite mumbles of touchy feely.
And
>asked the individuals to look at the stone to see what it revealed to them
>about their memories of the landscape. From this they each were to tell
the
>story to a partner, and then to the group as a whole. Everyone
participated.
>Wonderful stories surfaced. No one dominated. And the stories continued
long
>after the closing of the circle. And the man we were told would be most
>cantankerous spoke of his amazement at what had happenend. And how moved he
>was.
>
>The following morning we opened the space. A lot of detail had to be given
>because of the "givens" about the landscape and I had moments of
awkwardness
>about information overload for the people. And then in the middle of
stating
>the four principles, there were three rounds that went off from a howitzer
>(sp?). Explosive. I was walking the circle. The windows were open. And then
>there was bagpipes playing. And I continued with the opening to these
>background very military noises, opening space for the generals, the
>colonels, etc. And the young people who make their declarations of
>"unlimited liability" willing to give their lives for the country. And we
>had a grand open space. Everyone participated fully. We had lots of
>compliments about a wonderful day and a wonderful process. Virginia and I
>even received hugs. There were excellent discussions. No conflict.
>
>In one case, a topic went up that everyone thought was a sure thing to move
>forward because it was the sort of thing that was traditional. It received
>no votes. In another case, another topic was put up that had no one but the
>leader attend the discussion. He wrote a report, with my encouragement and
>when it came time to vote, it was one of the top vote getters. Much to his
>amazement. Open Space at its best. Be prepared to be surprised.
>
>Virginia received so much excellent data for her design that she will be
>able to cater to the passions of the participants and thereby not have to
>"sell" her design after the fact. The last design she did in this way
>received unanimous approval. No rejections by a "planning committee" or a
>design that was put on a shelf. It is being implemented. We are sure the
>same will happen with this one. And this way of combining Open Space with
>landscape architecture or any other planning or product development allows
>Virginia to have a master plan ready for the client group 40 days from the
>start of the process. No long waiting period for the client, but a plan
>while passion is still running high.
>
>Kindest regards,
>Birgitt Bolton and Virginia Burt
>www.openspacetechnology.com
>
>
>
>
>
