Sheila -- sounds to me that you are well past the need for training wheels. And if you still have them attached -- could be now is the time to take them off. As for OS in High Conflict situations -- I think that is really what it was built for. If you want some stories, check out the opening tale at the start of The User's Guide. 250 state and federal bureaucrats and a large group of Native Americans, all trying to deal with the issue of Roads on tribal lands. HOT ISSUE. And there was $1.5 billion riding on the outcome. Or see http://openspaceworld.com/opening_space_for_peace.htm for a small gathering in Rome with 50 Palestinians and Israelis.
And everything works the same way it always does. It is just a little more exciting. So my major suggestion for you, if you choose to do it, is -- don't forget to breath. Taking care of yourself before, during and afterwards is possibly the most important thing you will do. I have no idea how you prepare yourself before an Open Space, but for myself, particularly if I know it will definitely be a "white knuckle" affair -- my preparation starts a few hours before with some serious meditation. And during the gathering when I feel the need (and be sure to listen to your feelings of need!) just get out of there, take a long walk, even a nap. You will know when the time is right -- and when it is make a break for freedom. This may sound real selfish -- and it is and it isn't. The only way you can be of full service to the people who have entrusted their organization, and maybe also their lives, to you is to be fully present and simultaneously -- fully detached. That really never happens, but you can come close -- and even closer -- if you are prepared. Above everything else, Take a deep breath! When it is all over -- write it all down. Won't help the client a bit, but you will learn an incredible amount about yourself, perhaps more than you ever wanted to know. In similar situations I can honestly say that nothing has ever taken me to my edges (and beyond) more completely. I grew in ways I could never have anticipated, and some serious reflection at the end will ensure that you harvest some of the learning. Have Fun! Harrison Harrison Owen 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, Maryland 20854 Phone 301-365-2093 Skype hhowen Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org Personal website www.ho-image.com OSLIST: To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives Visit: www.listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sheila Beauchemin Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 4:54 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Using Open Space to Break Negitations Impasse Hi again, I have a client that is involved in negotiations around a multi-million dollar project. Negotiations between the parties have broken down and discussions are now in the hands of lawyers and really not going anywhere anytime soon. There are of course, lots of small "p" politics involved. I have been working with this client on other related issues around policy development and program frameworks but in the course of discussion this impasse in conversation came up. I mentioned that possibly what is needed is an opportunity to step aside from the current focus of discussions and provide some space to take talk about the issue in a different forum. There was some interest in this notion and now of course I am wondering what door I have likely naively opened given what a neophite I am in the open space world. What words of caution can you provide related to using OS in highly conflictual situations? When would you say it can be used/should be used? Are there any special considerations and/or preparations? Is it presumptious of me to think I can do this? Should I really just refer this client to someone with deep OS experience and not think about attempting such a thing when I feel I still have my OS training wheels on? Any advice or experiences you can share would be appreciated. Fond regards, Sheila * * ========================================================== [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
