Hi, Tim,
I saw your email a few days ago, but didn't find time to comment until today, I am also an avoid devotee of Toastmasters with some experience of Open Space. I didn't think I would be a TM evangelist when I joined. I was just sort of tagging along with my wife, Elaine Hansen, who was and is exploring one of her StrengthsFinder strengths as a communicator. But such is what I have become. I sing of thee, Toastmasters, whenever I get the chance. Now, on to your email. My first thought is that it might help to change the language. I don't want to make too much of this, but rather than "chaos" for open space and "rigid" for toastmasters, what do you think about using the terms "unstructured" for open space "structured" for toastmasters? I suggest this because, for me, this opens up the possibilities a bit more. I think your idea of leadership as the theme and question is spot on, especially as it's the main focus of the new TM branding. As I am also a devotee of Peter Block and the six conversations that we explore in A Small Group, I think something around possibilities is a good place to start. (Learn more about ASG here. http://www.asmallgroup.net/ If you want to get an idea of what an ASG conversation is like, Elaine and I host In The Clouds with A Small Group, which you can find out about here. http://hansen-rd.com/workshops/a-virtual-a-small-group/ ) Some ASG-type powerful question would be something like: . What is the crossroads you find yourself at regarding Toastmasters' leadership potential? . What is the declaration about the possibilities for Toastmasters leadership you can make that will inspire you and transform your community? These fit the ASG definition of powerful, which is that such questions are: . Personal - which encourages participants to share their own story and not engage in simple intellectualization. Also, any large-scale change requires change at the personal level. . Ambiguous - which allows participants to create their own meaning for the question. . Anxiety Provoking - because anything important will cause some anxiety. A more communal (but less personal and therefore less anxiety-provoking) question might be. What can we create together to promote and develop Toastmaster Leadership in our communities and organizations? Just some thoughts. Eric From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tim Lam Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:42 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [OSList] Openspace and Toastmasters - A Taster Warm wishes to all and the best of health this festive season! As a distant spacer and located within the corporate (no names mentioned) world, we recently ran a 2 hour OS taster, faciliated by our dear friend Mark Pixley (Thanks again Mark!). It was really well received and the feedback extremely positive given the 'short' time period and the session being held after normal office hours. It is great to see more discussions and fantastic advice on 'mini-sessions', however I am planning to run a joint session with a Toastmasters (TM) club! Without going into too much details about the TM 'philosophy' and hopefully not to offend any TM'ers. TM aims to improve speaking and leadership skills by running 'speech projects' which are timed and evaluated. What are ones thoughts on how a balance can be made between the 'chaos' of OS and the 'rigidity' of TM? Although the session may not be run for a few months (their time is booked for the next two) I thought it may be interesting to see ones points of view. The main question is still brewing but I'm thinking about a 'Leadership', as TM run 'Competent Communication' and 'Competent Leadership' certifications. Any suggestions for 'the' question? Good Health ! Tim.
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