I love all of the replies on this. Great discussion. I also want to add that I don't think the theme is so important in relation to what happens at the OST meeting. I think it is important so that people can give a reasonable degree of informed consent about what they are agreeing to attend when they receive the invitation. I also think the theme "manages expectations" about what is likely to be moved into action AFTER the OST event.
Birgitt -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu]On Behalf Of John Dicus Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2001 12:01 AM To: osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Subject: Re: Theme vs Topics > >What advice do you have when topics are initiated during agenda >setting, particularly the first one out of the chute, that are >clearly not related to the stated theme? > Dear Dave, "Sit, smile, and hold the space for whatever wants to happen. (period)" Once in an OS for an IS/IT outfit, one guy convened a session on the unit's logo. He didn't like the shape or color or something. The CIO frowned. As it turns out, it was a well-attended session folks talked about their very essence and how it was represented (or not) in the patch. They talked about relationships, what they cared most about in life & on the job... and so on. I've seen the same stuff come out of a dress-code session. Maybe it's like playback theater -- it offers a safe way to segue into risky areas. I'm just thinking out loud here (maybe too much coffee)... how about inviting folks to convene a session that's 180 degrees opposed to the theme -- as much in disagreement as possible. I'd bet it ends up hitting the real issues as well as "focussed" sessions. Just a hunch. Maybe its a way of saying that if the right people come, you can't miss the mark. (unless you close down the space). Like in Ghost-Busters where the heros weren't supposed to think of anything bad, and Dan Akroyd couldn't help thinking about the Sta-Puff Marshmallow Man? Watch & Learn are two good words to reflect on while saying nothing. John -- John Dicus | CornerStone Consulting Associates - Leadership - Systems Thinking - Teamwork - Open Space - Electric Maze - 2761 Stiegler Road, Valley City, OH 44280 800-773-8017 | 330-725-2728 (2729 fax) mailto:jdi...@ourfuture.com | http://www.ourfuture.com * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu, Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu, Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
