Chris Good question. I don't know that our open space events are any more or less inspiring than anyone else's. The process always works, sometimes it works better than others depending on the participants, theme, venue and other elements.
We never get into givens, because they may or may not be real. Once they are tabled, however, they can become barriers. Assumptions also may inhibit discussion and they often are not tested. I take your point about givens not restricting passion and creativity. But, can't they limit all those other variables you mention - purpose, budgets, accountaibility, partnerships et al. Isn't it more positive if these things were on the table for discussion so participants might find a way to do things differently and overcome prearranged or existing restrictions? If participants propose impossible actions, they usually do not get done. But, surprise, surprise, we find that people are very responsible and would not dream of jeopardising an opportunity to discuss matters of great importance to their future by being excessively demanding and unrealistic. In this sense, therefore, the events are self governing, because the opportunity to discuss the future is highly valued. If we believe Open Space is about diverse people talking and reaching agreement over things that matter to them, the energy, passion, commitment and ownership will decide what, if anything, happens. So,the only given is what participants decide they want to do and, if appropriate, what sponsors will support. If sponsors rule out certain things before an event even starts, they are unlikely to respond positively if a given/assumption is challenged. It becomes a challenge to management preogatives and we are thrown back into the power game. Let's not forget that the sponsor benefits, gaining a feel for what issues are important, a consensus over priorities, creative and innovative inputs, etc. This is valuable information and sponsors need to be responsible too, that is, have the ability to respond. Why restrict their response by pinning down limits that may or may not exist, that might be changed or resolved by participants? Cheers Kerry www.openfutures.com * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
