Dear Leslie,
One thing which works out well is a networking table with pin walls next to it where people can deposit their material and that part of their ego before entering the circle. Then, announcements like „Whoever takes the talking stick speaks for the whole group – you will feel when you need to speak“ can contribute to the holiness of „air“ (speaking time). I usually let the talking stick pass around the circle for the closing remarks, which focus on questions like yours, as the very last thing in the closing plenary session. Often, there is not much time left for that, so I remind people to keep time in mind when speaking, which usually works to perfection for the event to end on time, and that holding the stick in silence was just as valuable as sharing an insight. In this sense, time takes the role of the boundary-keeper as to contents. For the 3 most important sentences, I am very strict. I call each group by its title and/or number which can be read on the mini-documentation, and when the pre-determined speaker says anything other than those three sentences and perhaps one additional information per sentence, I intervene, apologizing that there is not enough time for broader information. Hope this can point out a direction you will choose next time – kind regards, Catherine Catherine Pfaehler Burckhardtstrasse 2 CH - 3008 Bern +41-(0)31-536 05 31 Von: Leslie Zucker [mailto:[email protected]] Gesendet: Freitag, 30. Januar 2015 00:14 An: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Betreff: Re: Leslie's questions Catherine, Thanks so very much for your thoughtful response, I really appreciate your time. I still find it amazing, after all these years how caring and helpful people on this list are. Your wording for the book of proceedings is great. Go right ahead. I did end up including a lot of context about the event in the Book of Proceedings which I just sent out last night to both the people who came and who registered but did not show up. I am also scheduling “debrief” meetings with people who said they are vested in the outcomes (funders) but didn’t show up to the event itself. Any words of wisdom about talking about the value of the event to funders who didn’t come? My guess is that they will want to know what are the top three action items from the event? The truth is there aren’t any action items, per se, but there was value - community building as the strongest one, for sure. I provide a form for note-taking (see annex), in which I include „the most important outcomes in three sentences“ for the closing circle, especially for Open Space Events that are as short as yours or no longer than a day. I agree with you that it’s helpful to use a template for the note taking. I did provide one at my event but it didn’t ask for the most important outcomes in three sentences for the closing circle. Nonetheless, only half the groups turned in any notes. I will try it the way you suggest next time! However, it is of utmost importance to ask for „the 3 sentences only“ when you open the closing circle, as coming back to listening mode after all those vivid discussions is difficult and often creates a sudden drop of energy. I couldn’t agree with you more about this! I definitely felt the sudden drop of energy in the closing circle and found it (frankly) quite difficult to sit through. Although I had suggested concise comments or 1-2 minutes maximum/ per person and focused on any one of the three questions that I prepped them for (meaning in the opening circle, I told them we’d discuss those three questions in the closing circle). The questions were these: 1) What did you learn or contribute? 2) What surprised you? and 3) What did you like about this process? That suggestion was clearly not what people wanted to do. Instead, they introduced themselves, what their organization does and offers, performances that are coming up, etc. Even as the facilitator, I felt trapped and unable to exercise the Law of Two Feet. On two occasions, I tried to guide the comments back to the three questions, but that only worked with a few people, not the majority. Finally, I just let it be what it was going to be. Unfortunately, however, it did mean that the ending was anti-climactic, when I really believe that a strong feeling of unity, connection and gratitude is a more powerful way to end an Open Space. I wonder what I could have done differently? Suggestions, questions, ideas are welcome! Touching on another question - how do you or others successfully fill the closing circle with just as many people as the opening circle? Suggestions are also welcome for this. Many, many, many thanks in advance! Leslie Zucker Trainer, Facilitator and Life Coach for Life's Dancers +1 (202) 425 7637 [email protected] www.lesliezucker.com On Jan 28, 2015, at 3:56 PM, Catherine Pfaehler <[email protected]> wrote: Dear Leslie Your wording for the book of proceedings is great. Go right ahead. I provide a form for note-taking (see annex), in which I include „the most important outcomes in three sentences“ for the closing circle, especially for Open Space Events that are as short as yours or no longer than a day. In such short events, the sponsor often decides not to copy the book of proceedings for everybody, so I merely produce a small documentation, i.e. a list with all the topics, the conveners, and these three sentences, plus the OS principles and the list with all the participants for everyone to take home. When I finish my introduction, I say „We meet again for the closing circle at … o’clock – this will be harvest time and for many the most beautiful and richest moments of the day. Every group will report back their most important outcomes and we will share our most important experiences - don’t miss it! And now, the day (or evening) is yours, enjoy it!“ The first part of this closing circle then are the reports, and this is the time when they find the small documentation on their seats. The above announcement often helps for people to stay longer. However, it is of utmost importance to ask for „the 3 sentences only“ when you open the closing circle, as coming back to listening mode after all those vivid discussions is difficult and often creates a sudden drop of energy. This report back to the plenary contributes to the feeling of ownership of the results with the participants, especially without a book of proceedings. Usually in the second part of the closing circle, when the talking stick goes around and people reflect on their experience in Open Space, very profound insights and most touching experiences are shared. For me, the Open Space event is never over before the closing circle has finished. Be prepared to be surprised… Have fun! Best, Catherine Catherine Pfaehler Open Space Begleitung Burckhardtstrasse 2 CH - 3008 Bern Switzerland +41-(0)31-536 05 31 <http://www.open-space-begleitung.ch/> www.open-space-begleitung.ch <Notes taker form.doc><Notes taker form, page 2.doc>
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