Dear Laurie: I would like to echo Laurel's excellent summary of holding short OS meetings. Having done over 20 of them, I find the same process and results. I put up 2 time- tracks of 45 min. each so there are enough times and spaces for all the topics. Some groups will choose to stay the whole 1 1/2 hour in a hot topic. Of course, the preprinted format to collect discussion and action points are available for handwritten documentation by the groups.
Laurel's suggestions of themes will pull people out of the analysis-paralysis and remind them of the great work they are doing, voluntarily, and, also create action items. One quote I like to use sometimes in the opening is "Excellence is not possible with a disengaged heart." by Jim Harris from "How to make your employees fall in love with your company". Somethings I say in an opening in corporate settings are: With the myriad demands on everyone's time, what would engage you to make time for this project. What would excite you? What needs to be done with our organization to move it along? Or some such comments. You'll find your own words. I don't know if you plan to open the space or not, but you might want to consider your husband (or someone else) opening it so you can be fully engaged yourself. It will be great! Blake Mills * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
