There is little question that The Question is more than questionable. In fact if it is questionable it ain't The Question. Or something. The importance of The Question derives from the fact that Open Space is a question. Or maybe better - The Question represents the first opening of space. In order to do its job it must be relevant (to the group), sufficiently specific so that they know what is at issue, sufficiently open so that there is plenty of room for exploration (space), provocative so that business as usual is set on its head, and attractive or nobody will come. Crafting such a question is a wonderful opportunity to work with the group involved. It is the old question of why do you really want to do this (OS) anyhow, and what would be different if you did? But oddly, I have never had much difficulty coming up with the question -- I think because I really don't worry about the words. My focus is on the group -- the pain, the pleasure, the hopes, the fears. The Question just seems to pop up in the conversation, usually when you aren't expecting it to do so.
As for examples of good questions -- I am sure everybody has their favorite. Mine happens to be, "Fixing Arizona -- Issues and Opportunities?" And if you don't have a clue what that might be about, I think that is just the point. The Question is so context specific that unless you know the context, or better yet, are part of that context -- The Question doesn't grab you. And of course, you would not be attracted to that OS -- which is also the point. For more on Questions you might take another look at The User's Guide for some specifics. Also my article at http://www.openspaceworld.com/Opening%20Space%20for%20The%20Question.htm You might also enjoy a book by a friend of mine, Marilee Goldberg (now Adams, I think) called something like "The Art of the Question." I believe Barrett-Koehler published it. Harrison Harrison Owen 7808 River Falls Dr. Potomac, MD 20854 USA 301-365-2093 207-763-3261 (summer) website www.openspaceworld.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Craig Gilliam To: osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 6:14 PM Subject: Craig--Questions As I work with OS, it seems that the question (call it calling question or theme) around which the OS emerges is critical. The appropriate question carefully worded seems to hold the potential to take a group to those unexplored regions. Is there any collection or list of questions people have used/developed through OS? I think it would be a helpful and fascinating list. Is there any good literature on what makes for a provocative question that allows groups to move to a deeper levels of emotional and spiritual process? Thanks!, Craig * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
