Hi Jennifer, You might be interested in reading some information on the Conscious Open Space Organization at http://www.openspacetechnology.com/articles_2.html In the work we do, we have found that to go into short OST meetings without a long one first does not work very well. It simply results in self managed meetings but with no real open space for creativity, wonder, imagination and so on to flourish. However, when we start an organization with a long OST meeting ie: a retreat of 2-2 1/2 days and they engage in the real feeling and power of being in Open Space (using the vehicle of a good OST meeting to get to that feeling and that quality with no name), then short meetings seem to work. The biggest challenge is in between the OST meetings. First, so much information gets generated at the meetings, so much passion gets stirred up, and so many actionable items are identified that groups often get frustrated in figuring out how to move it all forward in the organization (definitely felt after the 3rd or 4th meeting). The second challenge is finding a way to be congruent with OST during the times between the meetings.
Sometimes groups end up being really frustrated if they are not prepared for what might happen because there is a huge shift in everything that takes place, beginning with a lot of disatisfaction. I like to let the groups that I am working with know that if they get started on frequent OST meetings that everything might change. As a consultant, I have knowledge of the power of OST and its interface with the greater Open Space. I feel that I have an ethical responsibility to provide as much information as I can that this is about more than just doing meetings in OST but is about BIG and unpredicatable change. I am a strong advocate of the Conscious Open Space Organization so I certainly love it when people inform themselves and then say YES. 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 Harrison Owen Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2004 5:16 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Question RE Using Open Space for Staff Meetings I have seen OS work well in the Staff Meeting arena. Although typically what happens is that the Opening of Space becomes rather truncated in terms of time. After all, the people have taken the trip on a number of occasions. But an essential core usually remains. 1) Sit in a circle with nothing in the middle. 2) Take a moment at the start to silently acknowledge each other -- and catch your own breath. 3) Focus the group -- announce the theme. Maybe something like, "What are the issues and opportunities we confront this week?" Post the issues, and get on with the business -- works just like usual. Mention of The Principles and The Law was largely gratuitous, as signs bearing both were a permanent fixture in the meeting room. Harrison Harrison Owen 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, Maryland 20845 Phone 301-365-2093 Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org Personal website http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hhowen/index.htm [email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jennifer Hurley Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2004 12:44 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Question RE Using Open Space for Staff Meetings Hello again. Thank you all for your throughtful responses to my question about starting an Open Space event with a Visioning Exercise. The Church I am working with has decided to develop a "Behavioral Covenant" first, and postpone the Open Space to the fall. I'll say more as the time gets closer. Now I have a totally different question. I'm principal in a small planning consulting firm (2 principals & 3 employees). I'm intrigued by the possibility of using open space for our weekly staff meetings, but I'd like to read more about how OS works for short meetings (ours are usually about an hour) and with very small numbers of people. Does anyone have suggestions? Is there anything on the WIKI pages about this? Thanks, Jennifer Hurley ***** Hurley~Franks & Assoc. 1429 Walnut St., Suite 601 Philadelphia, PA 19102 http://www.hfadesign.com Association for New Urbanism in Pennsylvania (ANUPA) http://www.anupa.org * * ========================================================== [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: 6.0.561 / Virus Database: 353 - Release Date: 1/13/2004 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). 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