Judi, You have said a very important point about "givens". So much of what happens in organizations, including regarding an OST meeting is buried within the world of assumptions. Any help that can be given to test them and speak them assists in getting at reality rather than illusion (co-illusion, collusion). And as we have seen in the conscious Open Space Organization, this assists in changing what appears to be so, to what is so at a much faster rate.
There are always "givens" whether we state them or not. Even the theme is a "given". And if the organization sees no more "givens" but that everything is open for change as a result of the OST event, then stating that everything is open is also a "given". I have had fun in the past when during the planning meeting we write that one up as a "given" especially in cultures where it is seen to be politically correct to appear that free and loose. Once they see this in writing, the squirming starts and then comments start to come up and the "givens" get stated honestly. And, it is okay. The whole time, we are stressing to the group to push back and push back to create the maximum freedom for the participants not only in the OST meeting but beyond it. Birgitt -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu]On Behalf Of Judi Richardson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:59 PM To: osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Subject: Re: givens Hi Kerry -- love the saying! As to givens -- I often think of them as untested and/or unspoken assumptions -- whenever we articulate those -- they are up for change at a much faster rate... cheers J Judith Richardson Pono Consultants International Facilitating the Flow of Inspired Collaboration www.ponoconsultants.com (902) 435-0308 -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu]On Behalf Of kerry napuk Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:48 AM To: osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Subject: givens Dear All I must confess to a habitual turn-off when it comes to "givens." If we start with restrictions, how do we get to possibilities? I realise this is a struggle between what might be and what likely will be, but cannot events capture hearts and minds and just do it? As my humble daily Zen calender recorded on 1 January, "it is never too late to do nothing." Blessings Kerry -- * * ========================================================== 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 --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.456 / Virus Database: 256 - Release Date: 2/18/2003 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.456 / Virus Database: 256 - Release Date: 2/18/2003 * * ========================================================== 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
