Laurel If you can get the whole operating system in one room (perhaps including the support people outside the theatre), combine issues and actions into one session to fit the time (one hour minimum), allowing convenors to readout and a vote to be taken on priorities. You can get it all in two hours, no bother (10 min intro, 20 min marketplace, 60 min session issues and actions, 15 min readout and 15 min vote).
You will need some post event mechanism to implement priorities and evaluate experience. Ask for volunteers to form a steering group to implement priorities. Perhaps you should reconvene another OST in 4 weeks time? It sounds like these people want to sort out their process, so the good will is there. Likely that they have not looked at the issues and possible solutions in a systematic way before. However, if they are really that concerned, why don't they give up half a day on a Saturday or a Sunday? You would make a much greater impact with four hours than two. After all it is a small investment of time for a different and better future. Maybe they are sceptical about what you can achieve and are willing only to bet two hours? Also, better you get them away from the pressures of work, which would be easier on a weekend. Good luck. Cheers
