Hi Marks, I know there are stories of facilitators of OST successfully facilitating and participating in an OST meeting, even one for which they have a big passion about the topic. However, I don't believe that this can be genuinely achieved.
On the visible level, it can appear to be successful especially from the facilitator's perspective. Most communication, however, takes place in more subtle, invisible ways. Participants may be experiencing a closing of their space when the facilitator participates, even if they can't voice it at the time. I encourage you to engage someone to facilitate who can truly be an 'objective witness'. Blessings to you and to all with whom you make Genuine Contact, Birgitt Birgitt Williams of Dalar International Consultancy www.dalarinternational.com <http://www.dalarinternational.com> We provide inspirational and practical “how to” guidance for leaders who want to achieve healthy and balanced organizations to produce exciting, tangible results for the organization and for its people. View the calendar for upcoming training in the Organizational Health and Balance series of workshops featuring the Genuine ContactÔ program at http://www.openspacetechnology.com/training.html <http://www.openspacetechnology.com/training.html> We invite you to join the Genuine Contact list serve at http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/genuinecontact <http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/genuinecontact> Contact information for Dalar International Consultancy: Po Box 19373, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA 27619 Raleigh, North Carolina USA Phone: 919-522-7750 Fax: 919-870-6599 Founders of the Wellness Revolution for Organizations Founders of the International Alliance for Mentoring Creators of the Organizational Health and Balance series of workshops featuring the Genuine ContactÔ program -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Chris Corrigan Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2003 12:34 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: FACILITATOR AS PARTICIPANT Hi Marks and Peggy: Peg, thanks for tossing out the Spirited Work reference. Marks IS just down the road from me in a wonderful place that could easily host Spirited Work when it comes to Bowen Island, ain't that right Marks? So my advice is to take Peggy's advice and start working with the stewarding model for this retreat. It's entirely likely that it will not be the first time such a model is used at Rivendell! In a more general vein, I have convened a number of OST events where I have also been the facilitator and participant, and they have all been fine. As discussed in a thread a couple of months ago (October I think) it requires a subtle appreciation of one's role and a keen awareness of how open the space is, but it is manageable, at least in my experience. And if you feel that it isn't, there are a few OST folks on Bowen who might itch at the chance to open some space for Rivendell. Happy New Year to all. Chris --- CHRIS CORRIGAN Bowen Island, BC, Canada http://www.chriscorrigan.com [email protected] (604) 947-9236 > -----Original Message----- > From: OSLIST [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Peggy > Holman > Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2003 8:33 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: FACILITATOR AS PARTICIPANT > > MessageMarks, > > In Spirited Work, the convenors are also participants. We also did this > for > the Practice of Peace at Whidbey on Nov. 9-12. I think it works because > it > isn't a single person caring for the space but a group of us. Our pattern > is to have two people each day who are specifically designated to open the > space and pay attention throughout the day. Even while doing this, they > participate. I think this works because of what Harrison said: > > It seems that the group pretty quickly figures out how to hold its own > space, and then everybody is free to follow their druthers. > > Part of the preparation is that the group who is convening meets a few > hours > earlier to reflect first silently and then out loud together. We notice > what is up for us individually and speak our intentions for the whole. At > that time we walk through any material needs or questions and decide who > will take responsibility for which days. I think this prepares the field. > > We also start every circle of the whole with about 5 minutes in silence. > This does amazing things for bringing people into a common field. Subtle, > but it seems to make a difference. > > Over time the Stewards (this is a self-selected group open to any who feel > called that has commited to dealing with governance for the whole) have > more > consciously taken on a role of "growing the capacity of people to care for > themselves, others, and the whole". In doing so, more and more, it is > everyone who opens and holds the space. > > Given the nature of your community, what a wonderful way of going deeper > even as you talk about it! > > Have a great time, > Peggy > > * > * > ========================================================== > [email protected] > ------------------------------ > To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, > view the archives of [email protected], > Visit: > > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], 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: 6.0.556 / Virus Database: 348 - Release Date: 12/26/2003 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. 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