Depends on a number of things for me. Biggest problem is the size of the group. With a small group, it's hard. Easy with a big group.
My general approach is that if someone is interested in seeing the process rather than participating in it, I ask them if they would like to help me and then I clear it with my client that I will be bringing an assistant along. Then I put the person to work clearing coffee cups, managing the proceedings, unrolling pieces of tape or whatever. I see it as a teaching/mentoring opportunity and it helps to take a load off too. It's not really possible to simply "observe" and Open Space event. If one cannot be a participant, then one can help hold the space. I've never seen anyone just sit aloof from the whole thing. They get too uncomfortable too fast, and besides, after the opening, there's not much to look at (wink wink). I wouldn't counsel you to take on more than one or two people as "observers" or "helpers" though. Participants, even in large groups, may begin to wonder about the group of wide eyed chattering visitors. Cheers, Chris KenWest wrote: > How do observers affect the open space?I have had several people want > to come and see Opens Space this Monday, I have declined,I was worried > about the energy and possible disruption. > > How do you do it?And, do you open the space any differently? > > Ken > > Peace is the only security > > -----Original Message----- > -- CHRIS CORRIGAN Consultation - Facilitation Open Space Technology http://www.chriscorrigan.com [email protected] RR 1 E-3 1172 Miller Road Bowen Island, BC Canada, V0N 1G0 phone (604) 947-9236 fax (604) 947-9238 * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
