Michael,
I agree with you that we rarely have surprises on priorities the group proposes after its discussions but I have seen cases where there were. In most case, the feedback from the leaders I was suggesting when the priorities are announced, is more to create the safe space before we reopen space for action..just like the host creates that safe space at the very beginning of the OS by speaking to the goal, givens if any, leadership's commitment and encouraging creative thinking. At convergence, this same message is focused on confirming the safe space around the priorities, and encouraging creative and open thinking again, this time for actions. I think Harrison our approaches are not different but complementary. I also have that very serious conversations with the sponsor before the OS is even considered, ensuring there is openness to go beyond what exists and keeping givens to a minimum. That's essential in setting the stage for that safe space. Making the safe space apparent again just before the rubber hits the road - pardon the road metaphor - I think is helpful. For participants to hear that the leadership is fully on board before they start concretely committing their precious time and energy in real work on the proposed priorities, is about creating a safe space. In many organizations, the support of the leadership the day after the meeting is not a given. Even if the leaders have committed to the facilitator, committing publicly to the entire organization when the collective will has been expressed openly on priorities, increases significantly that building of trust and the chances of that support happening. To sum it up, I feel the words safe, trust and commitment reflect more the intent of this leadership statement at convergence than control. How it is done matters a lot, that's for sure and that's where again the facilitator can prepare leaders as to their message approach. Diane * * ========================================================== 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
