David – “Could you say more about "the mere search for control being the
total antithesis of trust." Sure. Nothing complicated or esoteric. If
you walk into a group of people with the notion that you need to, or
have to, control what is going on – that would be a pretty clear
indication to me that you didn’t trust the people to do what was needed
if left to their own devices.
ho
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD 20854
USA
189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
Camden, Maine 04843
Phone 301-365-2093
(summer) 207-763-3261
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*From:*[email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] *On Behalf Of *David Osborne
*Sent:* Sunday, February 02, 2014 10:20 AM
*To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list
*Subject:* Re: [OSList] [SPAM] - Re: Trust
Harrison,
I'd like to deepen my understanding of something you shared in this
post......Could you say more about "the mere search for control being
the total antithesis of trust."
David
On Sun, Feb 2, 2014 at 10:03 AM, Harrison Owen <[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
Annamarie – Meditation. It has been my experience that meditation prior
to opening space, particularly in a “difficult” situation, is the only
absolutely essential prework for the facilitator. All the rest can be
helpful, but coming to the circle scattered, confused and anxious is a
good way to fry your soul and create an environment that matches your
state. The core issue is that losing your center is very nervous making
– and in such a state it is all too easy to fall back into that old
bug-a-boo, The Need for Control. Of course you will never achieve
Control, but the mere search for it is the total antithesis of trust.
And you can see where that gets you...
It is certainly true that OS seems to work even when the facilitator is
a nervous wreck, which I think says more about the power of self
organization than anything else, but how much better things seem to go
when you enter that circle calm, cool, and comfortable – just radiating
trust in the people and their capacity.
The key for me is presence and focus. Being totally present and at one
with the situation. There is no magic here but a period of meditation
has been my way. Others will find a different way, a good walk for example.
Harrison
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD 20854
USA
189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
Camden, Maine 04843
Phone 301-365-2093 <tel:301-365-2093>
(summer) 207-763-3261 <tel:207-763-3261>
www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com%20>
www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com%20> (Personal Website)
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*From:*[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>] *On Behalf Of
*Annamarie Pluhar
*Sent:* Sunday, February 02, 2014 9:33 AM
*To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list
*Subject:* Re: [OSList] [SPAM] - Re: Trust
As another who only occasionally pipes up.
Carmella - I have noticed (but where?) how HO talks about meditating
before an OS. Like for two hours? Do I remember that right? In any case
I do think that the trust, integrity, authenticity must come from being
really centered and connected to..... okay I'll use the word "universe."
My two cents.
Annamarie Pluhar
Pluhar Consulting
http://www.pluharconsulting.com
802.451.1941 <tel:802.451.1941>
802.579.5975 <tel:802.579.5975> (cell)
On 2 Feb 2014, at 9:06, Carmella Mazzotta wrote:
Wow, I rarely say anything on the listserve but I must react to
this. The trust factor is really a big one for me in my work in
Washington DC these days. From every angle, top down and bottom up
and sideways, there is little trust. The pertebation of more diverse
voices makes sense and a wider invitation and I’m getting resistance
there for many reasons…all controlling and forceful and fearful
driven. Anyhow, keep these stories going. Brenden, when you walked
that circle and others, can you describe your magic that day or is
it not possible? I imagine the prework and the centering before and
all that but what reflections have you on that, if any?
Carmella Mazzotta
From: [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>] On Behalf Of
Brendan McKeague
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2014 2:15 AM
To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
Subject: Re: [OSList] Trust
A lovely little side-step from the initiating story...
The truth about trust was brought home to me a few years ago when I
facilitated an Open Space in Broome in the north west of Western
Australia. The context was about 100 or so folks gathering to
consider how to provide better mental health services for all the
people of the region. There was about 50:50 presence of indigenous
and non-indigenous people, service users and service providers. I
was fortunate enough to have an Aboriginal co-facilitator accompany
me - now that's another story!
The day went well with a very enthusiastic closing circle indicating
that participants and sponsors were pleased with the opportunity to
engage as equals, the depth of conversation and the attractive
action outcomes.
Now for 'the gift'
At dinner afterwards, I was passing by an old Aboriginal woman who
waved me over and softly said something like:
| "Young fella, when you walked around the circle this morning, I
didn't understand much of what you were saying but I felt your energy and I trusted
it.|
| |
| I knew this was going to be a good day...and it was"|
I have carried those words of affirmation as a blessing ever since.
Cheers
Brendan
On 02/02/2014, at 3:54 AM, Elwin and Joan wrote:
Well, I can’t help myself here. I normally write to Harrison on the
“side” but now I’m in Open Space.
Trust!
My Brother, you continue to speak the profound, in the most humble
manner. Your “trust” response provokes me to write to the List,
because it speaks to me so very deeply.
I now sit poised to Open Space three days from now for the USAID
Mission in Sarajevo, Bosnia (thank you, ho) and your reference to
integrity, authenticity and trust nearly brought me to tears!
Upon entering this US Government bastion of organizational cadence,
clearly in “harms-way”, I realized that my demeanor, shaped by 20
years of OST, had an immediate effect. Senior management, although
anxious, leads me to believe they think I‘m authentic.
So, on Wednesday, I Open Space for 2 ½ days for 10 Americans and 40
Bosnians and the theme is: “What are the opportunities to improve
our job satisfaction and performance, and enhance the Mission’s Goal?”
Whoa! Is this going to be fun! And it is all because, like most of
you, experience in Open Space gives us the ability to be truly
“present”.
While I’m at it, you can view a bit of video of an Open Space I
recently did for about 65 citizens of my hometown of Portland
Connecticut. The film crew struggled a bit but if you’re patient it
“picks up” at the 4 minute mark. http://portlandplan.org
http://portlandplan.org/http:/portlandplan.org/http:/
Thank you Michael Herman!!
Open Space. What a gift!
Love you Harrison.
Elwin Guild
Future Development International
On Saturday, February 1, 2014 6:07 PM, David Osborne
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> wrote:
Trust = the safety condition for self-organization.
D
On Sat, Feb 1, 2014 at 11:31 AM, Harrison Owen [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]> wrote:
Brendan said: “And in my view , all germinating from that initial
transfer of trust between mentor and sponsor” Right on! I don’t
think it makes a bit of difference how elegantly one “does” the Open
Space. It is really all about TRUST. When I said that anybody with a
good heart and good mind can “do it,” that is just a long winded way
of saying what I’ve always found to be true. Expertise is
interesting. Integrity and Trust are essential. A new comer to the
OS world, opening space for the very first time, muffing some lines,
and forgetting others – can do every bit as well as a 20 year
veteran. The coin of the realm is Integrity, authenticity, trust.
But none of that should be news, for that trio is the bedrock of all
positive human encounter, I think. Which may just be another way of
pointing out that OS is not some special process we do, it is just
life lived well. Or something.
ho
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD 20854
USA
189 Beaucaire Ave. (summer)
Camden, Maine 04843
Phone 301-365-2093 <tel:301-365-2093> x-msg://1280/
(summer) 207-763-3261 <tel:207-763-3261> x-msg://1280/
www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com>
http://www.openspaceworld.com%20/
www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com>
http://www.ho-image.com%20/ (Personal Website)
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of
OSLIST Go
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From: [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>] On Behalf Of
Brendan McKeague
Sent: Saturday, February 01, 2014 12:57 AM
To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
Subject: Re: [OSList] Sponsor PreWork Conversation (long)
A very interesting question Chuni Li...
The sponsor was being mentored by one of my colleagues in our local
Open Space community of practice (Wave Riders) who suggested to him
that OS was the right method/model for the task at hand. As his
coach (the formal role as perceived by the organisation), my
colleague encouraged the sponsor to get in touch with me to avoid
any perceived conflict of interest. The sponsor researched OS for
himself first and then engaged me to provide the specialist
knowledge....Harrison often says that anyone with a good heart and
head can open space - and I agree - while at the same time, I
acknowledge that 'Open Space wisdom' is often helpful, if not
necessary, in situations of increased complexity and potential conflict.
After his initial attraction to OS in theory, and as part of his
research, the sponsor then ran a mini Open Space within his own
jurisdiction to see how it worked in reality - he wished to speak
from his lived experience when engaging with his higher-uppers. He
also watched a few of the growing library of YouTube clips that are
so wonderful for educating potential sponsors.
Now totally convinced, the transfer of trust was complete at various
levels....trusting the process (OST works) AND trusting the
facilitator (who was aligned with the essence of OST - i.e living in
it) AND trusting that both facilitator and process were
'fit-for-purpose' in this context.
And in my view , all germinating from that initial transfer of trust
between mentor and sponsor
Hope this story helps
Cheers Brendan
On 31/01/2014, at 1:10 PM, [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]> wrote:
Thank you Brendan for taking the time to organize and share this
information - so precious and such a generous gift!
I am curious about the sponsor who "put his neck out" to make the
event happen.
Had he experienced OST before? Did you have to "convince" him? What
made him willing to "jump through the hoops?" Was it the OST process
or was it you that he trusted?
Chuni Li
New Jersey
From: Brendan McKeague [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
To: World wide Open Space Technology email list
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2014 9:34 PM
Subject: Re: [OSList] Sponsor PreWork Conversation (long)
You're very welcome Tricia - this List continues to live the
invitation issued by Harrison all those years ago - to share what we
learn...
An addendum to the story is that the sponsor is now preparing to
host mini Open Space meetings on the key themes that have emerged
from the Book of Proceedings. This is very much within his own
responsibility range so no convincing or permissions now required.
And some of the 'higher-uppers' who attended the event were very
impressed by what happened that they will carry this positive story
back to the State Committee as evidence. 'Whatever happens is the
only thing....'
I continue to be guided and sustained by Margaret Wheatley's
invitation to activists to 'let go of the need to make a difference'....
and it seems to me, that when I don't NEED to make a difference, and
engage from another place within me, that is when I do!
Ah the paradox of it all....
Cheers Brendan
On 31/01/2014, at 4:31 AM, Tricia Chirumbole wrote:
Thanks so much Brendan for taking the time to share this! I have
saved your information for my own training and I am likely to
plagiarize at some point :)
Tricia Chirumbole
US: +1-571-232-0942 <tel:%2B1-571-232-0942> x-msg://1280/
Skype: tricia.chirumbole
On Thu, Jan 30, 2014 at 3:21 PM, Diane Gibeault
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> wrote:
Well said Brendan! These are the kind of questions people new to OS
who plan on offering, organizing or facilitating an event, want to
be ready to answer. Thank you for that brief and effective way of
sharing your informative answers.
Diane
From: Brendan McKeague [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
To: OS Listserve [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2014 12:32:33 AM
Subject: [OSList] Sponsor PreWork Conversation (long)
Hi folks
I've recently completed a one-day OST meeting with around 150
participants. It went very well and the sponsor was delighted (and
much relieved) as he had 'put his neck out' with his 'higher-uppers'
all along the way in order to have the event in the first place. One
of the hoops he had to jump through beforehand was to to present a
business case and justification for using OST in this
context....I've recorded some of the email conversation that we've
had as we progressed the discernment towards decision - over about
three months. I thought some co-learners might be interested in
parts of the to-ing and fro-ing dialogue - and would love to hear
your comments around the questions this first-time user of OST is
asking....or rather, being compelled to ask.
Cheers
Brendan
Q: Does OST work with bigger numbers - the work shop will be large
with an estimated 150+ diverse state and local government, industry,
NGO and possibly some citizens attending.
R: Open Space Technology (OST) is applicable regardless of numbers
and diversity - indeed, we often find that the more stakeholder
complexity, the better it works. I have worked with up to 350
participants and colleagues elsewhere with over 2000.
The workshop is part of the finalisation of the Draft Strategic Plan
and is being held to respond to the various propositions and issues
raised in the public comment phase early this year. I have very
briefly outlined the draft objectives and role of the selected
facilitator below:
Objective:
The Strategic Plan is a new format for xxxxxx planning that
challenges the current status quo of planning. Further consultation
is required to provide a greater level of understanding of the
‘systems’ concept, and seek input on content and implementation
issues. Main objectives include:
· To build a collaborative environment ;
R: OST certainly creates the opportunity for this - with the benefit
of no predetermined agenda, all participants are invited to
collaborate in co-creating the agenda around what's really important
to them.
· provide a greater understanding of the legislation impetus;
R: OST allows participants to diverge and engage with others who
have similar questions/issues in order to clarify understandings and
pursue ideas that matter to them
· genuine input and actions to assist in the finalisation of the
Strategic Plan
R: OST invites those who wish to contribute according to interest
(passion) and responsibility - and then to offer to be part of
ongoing actions beyond the event itself
Main role for Facilitator:
· Organisation of 150 stakeholders – some groups will be considered
high risk.
R: In OST, the participants self-organise and self-manage around
what they care about - its a marvellous, fluid way to enable
genuine/transparent
collaboration, participation, inclusivity and emergence - thereby
diminishing the likelihood of distraction by the disgruntled or a
hi-jacking by the heavies
· Creating a strategic, dynamic and collaborative process in and out
of the workshop
R: OST is a world-leading technology for this type of process
.. memorable, positive, inspiring – has to have the same takeaway as
previous (Deliberative Democracy) forum i.e. participation was
worthy of time, feel inspired, have made a difference -
R: no process (or facilitator) in the world can guarantee these
outcomes - unfortunately for me! OST can create the space where they
are most likely to show up, provided that the sponsors have done
their preparation properly - i.e. asked the right question, issued
the right invitation, created the right space....then, the folks who
care to show up in response do the rest by themselves. The power of
a great OST mtg comes from the release of passionate energy when
people are given the freedom to do what they really care about
· Participants must go home with a greater more positive
understanding (including impetus for use) of the SPS and systems
thinking
R: its very difficult to enforce the 'must go home with' aspiration
when working with a group of mature (and diverse) adults. I can
however say, from my experience of facilitating over 250 OST mtgs
around the country in the last 15 years, that OST does provide
everyone with the opportunity to participate at the level they
chose, to ask the questions they bring with them, to engage with
others who care about similar issues, to record their conversations,
to contribute to action outcomes and to learn more about the topic
about which they're meeting. And in all of that, they usually have a
lot of fun too!
· Defining clear objectives and parameter of discussion
R: Once again, this is the work of the sponsors beforehand - we call
these 'the givens' that form part of the invitation in OST - the
container in which 'the space is open' - then let the people get to
work around what they came to do
· Day round up
R: OST usually finishes with a Closing Circle for comments from
participants and sponsors
Dear Brendan,
In an attempt to manage stakeholders expectations and ensure
effective facilitation of diverse ~150 stakeholders within the broad
scope (theme: Making the Planning Strategy a Success) , could you
please kindly advise based on the desired outcomes (below) as to
whether any other facilitation method would achieve the same
outcomes as Open Space Technology (OST).
· Time and labour efficient
R: I know of no other process that will get 150 people working on
what they want to work on together as quickly as OST; with the
opening explanation and agenda creation taking about 45-50mins, the
whole 150 participants can get down to work quickly on issues that
are important to them.
· Memorable and inspiring
R: This is a product of participation on the day. The participants
will create their own agenda around what's important to them and so
they are invited to take responsibility for what they offer and
engage with i.e. if it is not memorable and inspiring, then it may
be that they have not responded fully to the invitation and they are
in the wrong place - they can use the Law of Mobility to move
elsewhere - or even leave if what's on offer is not why they came.
Hence the importance of creating a clear, transparent and
irresistible invitation for those who wish to make this Strategy a
success. It is extremely important for the Sponsors to be familiar
with, and endorse, the guarantees of an OST meeting - see attached
explanation.
· collaborative
R: There are many levels of collaboration. Mature collaboration is
about engaging with others - who may have very similar or very
different views- and taking time to listen well, to speak truthfully
about issues that are important and to be open to what emerges.
Lesser forms/models of collaboration adopt coercion, compliance and
competition as a container for obtaining predetermined desired
outcomes. OST provides a container for self-organising around what
is identified as important by those who wish to (or even, 'have to')
do something about implementing this strategy. The OST process
models the intention of seeking more mature collaboration around
complex issues involving multiple stakeholders.
· Enables strategic thinking
R: The Planning Strategy has been developed - i.e. the diagnostics
have been completed - based on various previous consultations. Now
is the time for moving into implementation and operationalising the
outcomes. This requires a dialogical process - where those
responsible for implementation have opportunities to interpret,
clarify, be creative, innovative and consider how they are going to
do this within their own circles of influence. As I understand it,
it's exploratory and open - there is not one uniform way of making
this work successfully - it there is, then OST is not needed -
people are told what to do and resourced to do it. OST provides
space for creativity, diverse views and novel ideas to be named and
explored. This cannot be legislated in advance - it needs to emerge
from the confluence of energy, knowledge, skills, experiences and
potentially contentious views of those who show up. OST is the most
transparent process for this, with inbuilt principles of
self-determination that enable high levels of passionate energy,
high levels of learning and high levels of 'fun' to show up on the day.
· Rapid consensus
R: This is another question entirely. In a one-day meeting of 150
diverse stakeholders, what are you seeking 'rapid consensus' on?
I would need to hear more from you about your purpose and intentions
here. In my experience, when consensus is an expectation in such a
short time-frame with so many people, there are too often 'winners
and losers' and people can easily get bogged down in detail around
language interpretation, aggressive defensiveness and even
destructive competition to try to force a neat outcome. There are
other, often more appropriate, ways of creating and sustaining
alignment with the Strategy into the future (e.g. by creating and
supporting 'communities of practice' around key themes emerging from
the OST meeting)
R: Thanks for asking these key clarifying questions. I realise how
important this conference is in terms of creating a platform for
implementation of the Planning Strategy. I agree that the process on
the day needs to be the best match for your purpose.
I have inserted a few comments and attached a brief 2 page
explanation of OST and its 'guarantees'.
In a nutshell, OST is not driven by 'predetermined outcomes' (my
words) - it is about creating space for engagement and emergence
with those who will be doing the work of implementation. It is a
self-organising dialogical process that, in my opinion, is most
suitable for this stage of your Planning Strategy.
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