You are such an inspiration and fabulous storyteller. You tantilized their tastebuds and they got a glimmer of the magic that happens. In my experience, faith is at the root, as well as the fruit of OS. The biggest challenge in OS is getting people to take that first step of faith to taste it.
Cheryl ----- Original Message ----- From: Wendy Farmer-O'Neil To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 12:05 AM Subject: Open Space Learning Report - Mini OS for non-profit (longish) Open Space Learning Report - Mini OS for Non-Profit Board, Staff and Volunteers I just finished a mini OS for a non-profit. I am typing this up on the ferry on my way home. Once again I thought of you all as I was moving chairs and sticking tape. One of the differences with this organization is that they are not as interested in the process as the other groups I work with. Most of my other clients are wanting to integrate OS and appreciative practice into their daily work, while this group has just embraced the Carver model as a radical and positive step forward. So I really appreciate their trust in me and their willingness to embrace something so far from their comfort zone. So, of course, I was interested to see if there would be a difference. And I can say now, nope--not really. My other design challenge was a lousy cold that showed up last night-sore throat, stuffy nose, fever.ah well.took as much medicine as I felt was safe not to make me stupid and went out there (no whining!). Discovered that having to sneak off to the bathroom to blow your nose and wash your hands is a great way to be invisible J Design: Sponsor wanted a demonstration OS to introduce OS to Board in preparation for a one day OS visioning session in October. In other words- quelling the queasies. 2.75 hours total, 45 min for opening and agenda setting, two 45 minute conversations, half hour for closing and debrief/questions. (Thanks to Larry P. for the inspiration.) What happened: 24 people posted 19 topics (they combined some) created about 10 pages of report (handwritten notes posted on breaking news wall). It worked. Just like always. This was a passionate group. They jumped up from their seats and started posting topics right away. I had a feeling this group would be enthusiastic. They have a lot of passion for what they do and are incredibly dedicated. The feedback was very positive. They got a better sense of the whole organization. The director was able to gain insight into where there were gaps in understanding and communication-useful information for her. They felt supported by each other, appreciated, all voices got heard, they had fun. Oh yah, and another very cool thing.the director, in the closing circle, stated that one of her goals for this process was to see spirit come back to the organization, and that she felt it had begun to return with tonight's process. Hurrah for Open Space! And I've never seen a rush for the talking stick before. As I said, one passionate bunch. Learning: As a demonstration it worked very well. They got an actual taste of OS, rather than a presentation. We used a real topic that they all had real passion for. I used the analogy of the ice cream store, where they give you one of those little spoons to have a taste and how that's different from a big bowl. We had a little spoonful of open space and next month we will have the bowl full. They expressed the desire to take something forward from the discussions, which again just reinforced for me the importance of including some kind of next step, into the world process as a grounding for even short (one-day) OS's. And it got me wondering about the possibilities of making that happen even in mini's like this one. Closing round question could do it. Any other experiences or thoughts? Photos are here: http://flickr.com/photos/89394054@N00/sets/988835/ (Also, Photos from previous, in Prince George are here: http://flickr.com/photos/89394054@N00/sets/939548/ Cheers all.off for my hot toddy. Love, Wendy * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected]: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected]: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
