Re: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[R Chaffe via OSList]

Thanks HO
The act of joining the circle is a very powerful and for some confronting so in 
our preparations we need to be aware of this and tailor our leadership to allow 
people to overcome the reluctance to join and contribute.  The facilitator has 
a major responsibility to do their job well.  There is no prescriptive process 
just be at one with the sponsors and the participants.  Then be truely present.
My experience has been as Harrison describes the lion and the lamb sit down 
together and in all my experience they leave with new understanding and in many 
cases new fiends. Yes, things do get done.

Regards
Rob

> On 6 Jan 2020, at 1:50 am, Harrison Owen via OSList 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> This may be  a cop out on the questions… but one of the most amazing things 
> in the 30+ years I have been privileged to explore Open Space is that common 
> people, dealing with a common issue … while sitting in a circle, creating a 
> bulletin board and opening a market place – and then going to work … always 
> seem to get something useful done. And NEVER (in my experience) has blood 
> been shed. It can get terribly exciting, and I suspect the facilitator is the 
> most nervous. I have also heard of innumerable suggestion for good things to 
> do before, during, and after … but none … to the best of my knowledge have 
> made any difference. This does not mean that people can’t and don’t kill each 
> other, and of course we seem to be on the edge of doing that (killing) more 
> extensively at the moment BUT I have never seen that take place in Open 
> Space. It doesn’t even take place when the participants are sworn and 
> professional killers of each other. Now there’s a mystery.
>  
> Harrison
>  
> From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of 
>   ? via OSList
> Sent: Sunday, January 5, 2020 5:50 AM
> To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
> Cc: שגית רוסו יצחקי
> Subject: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe 
> open space for all it’s participants
>  
> Hi everyone, 
> 
> I’m Sagit,  another one of Tova’s students :)
> 
> I'm interested in learning more about three different topics so thank you so 
> much for sharing your experience and opinions in one or all! 
> 
>  
> Sponsors - how vital are they for opening a space? 
> 
> For example, in the case of an association that is dealing with a significant 
> conflict. Since there is no external body that runs the association, the 
> question arises as to whether open space can be held without sponsors? Can a 
> community have an open space without a sponsor? 
> 
>  
> Some questions about empathy and open space -
> 
> The first one will be - Is empathy important for a successful open space?
> 
> And if empathy is important - 
> 
> How can empathic space be created and maintained for all its partners and 
> voices that want to be heard? 
> 
> What techniques and tools do you use to bring empathy to the open space and 
> how do you invite other participants to hold empathy together? 
> 
> Do you have any signs or metrics for measuring the levels of empathy in an 
> open space?
> 
>  Did you come across occasions where it was difficult or impossible to create 
> an empathic space?
> 
>  
> Creating an open space that allows all participants a safe and comfortable 
> space for expressing themselves  - 
> 
> In Open Space participants are invited to stand up and offer their topics for 
> conversation in the marktplace . I’m wondering whether people who are not 
> accustomed to make their voices heard or such who are at some disadvantage 
> (social, age, gender, origin etc.) Feel safe and comfortable initiating 
> conversations in such a space? 
> 
> What are the ways you know for making the space truly safe and inviting for 
> all its participants? 
> 
> How much does advance preparation contribute to their participation and what 
> should it include, in your opinion?
> 
> Thanks again for sharing,
> 
> Best wishes,
> 
> Sagit
> 
>  
> ___
> OSList mailing list
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Re: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[Birgitt Williams via OSList]

Hi Sagit,

I too will weigh in with my perspective based on experience, and yet aware
that there are other perspectives too.


1.In answer to your question of "can a community have an open space without
a sponsor?" Open space itself exists as an aspect of creation. It is
neither opened nor closed. It simply is ..for us to become aware of it.
Open Space Technology is possible without a sponsor, and probably without a
facilitator. However, something being possible does not mean it is the best
option for the best and greatest advantage. A sponsor is valuable and in
groups that I have lots of admiration for, people take turns being the
sponsor and being the facilitator.


2.Humans by nature are relational and are empathic. However, in a free will
universe, people have choice about how much to engage with their capacity
for being relational, and for their capacity with empathy. Open Space
Technology provides a container for people to engage in personal leadership
including engaging with their free will of what they want to focus on and
what they don't. Attempting to ensure forced empathy, by its nature of
control and judgment, reduces the openness that is offered.


3. Open Space Technology does not create or promise safe space. The
principles of OST and the one law provide guidance for people to self lead
including for taking personal responsibility for safety. Often, people are
not accustomed to enacting personal leadershp. However, OST is a wonderful
way for people to get their courage up, to take baby or even big steps, and
to practice until having their voice heard is the new habit. I have had
experiences in which there were many who didn't have the courage to engage
in posting a topic at the first OST meeting in an organization. However,
when they saw what a difference emerged from the first meeting, they
overcame their hesitation in the second OST meeting.


4. Advance preparation does not affect the amount of participation in an
OST meeting, by those who have chosen to accept the invitation to attend.


in genuine contact,

Birgitt





*Birgitt Williams*
*Supporting You in Developing Your Leadership*
Author,The Genuine Contact Way: Nourishing a Culture of Leadership

Senior Consultant, President Dalar International Consultancy, Inc

Founder Genuine Contact Program
. Co-owner Genuine
Contact Co-owners Group, I nc

*Learn with us for your skill and capacity development for leading and
working in the new leadership paradigm "Leading So People Will Lead"*

*Mentoring Circles & Mastermind Groups* | December 13, 2019 | Online
*Achieving Organizational Health & Balance* | February 21 & 28, 2020 |
Online
*Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way* | March 20, 27 & April 3, 2020
| Online
*Holistic Leadership Development *| April 15-20, 2020 | Waterloo, Canada
*Whole Person Process Facilitation* | April 24, May 1 & 8, 2020 | Online
*Genuine Contact Organization/Summer Academy 2020 *| July 3-10, 2020 |
Waterloo, Canada

>> Learn More & Register
 for any of these
workshops here.


PO Box 19373, Raleigh, NC, USA 27613
Phone: 01-919-522-7750


On Sun, Jan 5, 2020 at 1:24 PM Jeff Aitken via OSList <
oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:

> Hi Sagit. Now that I re-read my post, it sounds like a lot of work to do
> both! It's good practice and more fun to work with others in calling and
> hosting an open space meeting. But I know there are situations in which a
> person can play both roles without problem.
>
> Jeff
> San Francisco
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 5, 2020, 10:05 AM Jeff Aitken  wrote:
>
>> Hi Sagit. I read your question to be: Must there be a separate person in
>> the sponsor role? Different from the facilitator?
>>
>> And my response is no. One person can fulfill the roles of sponsor and
>> facilitator of an open space meeting. One person who has an idea for a
>> theme, and a list of people to invite and greet into a circle, can
>> facilitate that open space meeting.
>>
>> It might not happen very often, as typically there will be different
>> people playing the two roles, and their relationship and interaction will
>> be important.
>>
>> Do you have interest to both sponsor and facilitate an open space
>> meeting? Any concerns about it?
>>
>> Jeff
>> San Francisco
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Jan 5, 2020, 7:56 AM Birgitt Williams via OSList <
>> oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>> during the OST, what makes a difference are decisions about the theme,
>>> length of the OST, length of sessions, who gets invited and how, reports or
>>> no reports, and whether there is an intention for prioritizing/action post
>>> the OST.
>>>
>>> The biggest reason for good prep with many things to consider is to
>>> enable the organization to get the biggest harvest possible out of what was
>>> done 

Re: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[Jeff Aitken via OSList]

Hi Sagit. Now that I re-read my post, it sounds like a lot of work to do
both! It's good practice and more fun to work with others in calling and
hosting an open space meeting. But I know there are situations in which a
person can play both roles without problem.

Jeff
San Francisco


On Sun, Jan 5, 2020, 10:05 AM Jeff Aitken  wrote:

> Hi Sagit. I read your question to be: Must there be a separate person in
> the sponsor role? Different from the facilitator?
>
> And my response is no. One person can fulfill the roles of sponsor and
> facilitator of an open space meeting. One person who has an idea for a
> theme, and a list of people to invite and greet into a circle, can
> facilitate that open space meeting.
>
> It might not happen very often, as typically there will be different
> people playing the two roles, and their relationship and interaction will
> be important.
>
> Do you have interest to both sponsor and facilitate an open space meeting?
> Any concerns about it?
>
> Jeff
> San Francisco
>
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 5, 2020, 7:56 AM Birgitt Williams via OSList <
> oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>> during the OST, what makes a difference are decisions about the theme,
>> length of the OST, length of sessions, who gets invited and how, reports or
>> no reports, and whether there is an intention for prioritizing/action post
>> the OST.
>>
>> The biggest reason for good prep with many things to consider is to
>> enable the organization to get the biggest harvest possible out of what was
>> done in the OST.
>>
>> There are varying viewpoints in our discussion forum about prep, givens,
>> debrief, and later on peer with peer accountability meeting. There is a
>> difference in expectation about follow up within an intact organization and
>> whether the work has been done for the intact organization to have the
>> capacity to take advantage of what comes out of the OST. This is less
>> important for a one time conference with the follow up dependent on the
>> individuals. In my many years of working with intact organizations, using
>> OST as one of the processes/tools to accomplish a transformative change, I
>> am a strong advocate for good prep and follow up.
>>
>> The fantastic leaders that I have had the privilege to work with are
>> committed to the transformation, committed to making the most of the OST
>> meetings that they sponsor, and they are in the front line of holding
>> steady with liberating structures to allow a participatory architecture to
>> do its magic.
>>
>> I was telling a story to someone yesterday. An OST meeting about an
>> apparently unsolvable problem. The right prep and follow up. Acton plans.
>> Approval at the government level of the 10 year plan. Plan accomplished in
>> two years.
>>
>> in genuine contact,
>> Birgitt (facilitating and teaching and promoting OST since 1992..with joy)
>>
>>
>> *Birgitt Williams*
>> *Supporting You in Developing Your Leadership*
>> Author,The Genuine Contact Way: Nourishing a Culture of Leadership
>> 
>> Senior Consultant, President Dalar International Consultancy, Inc
>> 
>> Founder Genuine Contact Program
>> . Co-owner Genuine
>> Contact Co-owners Group, I 
>> nc
>>
>> *Learn with us for your skill and capacity development for leading and
>> working in the new leadership paradigm "Leading So People Will Lead"*
>>
>> *Mentoring Circles & Mastermind Groups* | December 13, 2019 | Online
>> *Achieving Organizational Health & Balance* | February 21 & 28, 2020 |
>> Online
>> *Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way* | March 20, 27 & April 3,
>> 2020 | Online
>> *Holistic Leadership Development *| April 15-20, 2020 | Waterloo, Canada
>> *Whole Person Process Facilitation* | April 24, May 1 & 8, 2020 | Online
>> *Genuine Contact Organization/Summer Academy 2020 *| July 3-10, 2020 |
>> Waterloo, Canada
>>
>> >> Learn More & Register
>>  for any of these
>> workshops here.
>>
>>
>> PO Box 19373, Raleigh, NC, USA 27613
>> Phone: 01-919-522-7750
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Jan 5, 2020 at 9:50 AM Harrison Owen via OSList <
>> oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:
>>
>>> This may be  a cop out on the questions… but one of the most amazing
>>> things in the 30+ years I have been privileged to explore Open Space is
>>> that common people, dealing with a common issue … while sitting in a
>>> circle, creating a bulletin board and opening a market place – and then
>>> going to work … always seem to get something useful done. And NEVER (in my
>>> experience) has blood been shed. It can get terribly exciting, and I
>>> suspect the facilitator is the most nervous. I have also heard of
>>> innumerable suggestion for good things to do before, during, and after …
>>> but none … to the best of my knowledge have made any difference. This does

Re: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[Jeff Aitken via OSList]

Hi Sagit. I read your question to be: Must there be a separate person in
the sponsor role? Different from the facilitator?

And my response is no. One person can fulfill the roles of sponsor and
facilitator of an open space meeting. One person who has an idea for a
theme, and a list of people to invite and greet into a circle, can
facilitate that open space meeting.

It might not happen very often, as typically there will be different people
playing the two roles, and their relationship and interaction will be
important.

Do you have interest to both sponsor and facilitate an open space meeting?
Any concerns about it?

Jeff
San Francisco



On Sun, Jan 5, 2020, 7:56 AM Birgitt Williams via OSList <
oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:

> Hi all,
> during the OST, what makes a difference are decisions about the theme,
> length of the OST, length of sessions, who gets invited and how, reports or
> no reports, and whether there is an intention for prioritizing/action post
> the OST.
>
> The biggest reason for good prep with many things to consider is to enable
> the organization to get the biggest harvest possible out of what was done
> in the OST.
>
> There are varying viewpoints in our discussion forum about prep, givens,
> debrief, and later on peer with peer accountability meeting. There is a
> difference in expectation about follow up within an intact organization and
> whether the work has been done for the intact organization to have the
> capacity to take advantage of what comes out of the OST. This is less
> important for a one time conference with the follow up dependent on the
> individuals. In my many years of working with intact organizations, using
> OST as one of the processes/tools to accomplish a transformative change, I
> am a strong advocate for good prep and follow up.
>
> The fantastic leaders that I have had the privilege to work with are
> committed to the transformation, committed to making the most of the OST
> meetings that they sponsor, and they are in the front line of holding
> steady with liberating structures to allow a participatory architecture to
> do its magic.
>
> I was telling a story to someone yesterday. An OST meeting about an
> apparently unsolvable problem. The right prep and follow up. Acton plans.
> Approval at the government level of the 10 year plan. Plan accomplished in
> two years.
>
> in genuine contact,
> Birgitt (facilitating and teaching and promoting OST since 1992..with joy)
>
>
> *Birgitt Williams*
> *Supporting You in Developing Your Leadership*
> Author,The Genuine Contact Way: Nourishing a Culture of Leadership
> 
> Senior Consultant, President Dalar International Consultancy, Inc
> 
> Founder Genuine Contact Program
> . Co-owner Genuine
> Contact Co-owners Group, I nc
>
> *Learn with us for your skill and capacity development for leading and
> working in the new leadership paradigm "Leading So People Will Lead"*
>
> *Mentoring Circles & Mastermind Groups* | December 13, 2019 | Online
> *Achieving Organizational Health & Balance* | February 21 & 28, 2020 |
> Online
> *Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way* | March 20, 27 & April 3,
> 2020 | Online
> *Holistic Leadership Development *| April 15-20, 2020 | Waterloo, Canada
> *Whole Person Process Facilitation* | April 24, May 1 & 8, 2020 | Online
> *Genuine Contact Organization/Summer Academy 2020 *| July 3-10, 2020 |
> Waterloo, Canada
>
> >> Learn More & Register
>  for any of these
> workshops here.
>
>
> PO Box 19373, Raleigh, NC, USA 27613
> Phone: 01-919-522-7750
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 5, 2020 at 9:50 AM Harrison Owen via OSList <
> oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:
>
>> This may be  a cop out on the questions… but one of the most amazing
>> things in the 30+ years I have been privileged to explore Open Space is
>> that common people, dealing with a common issue … while sitting in a
>> circle, creating a bulletin board and opening a market place – and then
>> going to work … always seem to get something useful done. And NEVER (in my
>> experience) has blood been shed. It can get terribly exciting, and I
>> suspect the facilitator is the most nervous. I have also heard of
>> innumerable suggestion for good things to do before, during, and after …
>> but none … to the best of my knowledge have made any difference. This does
>> not mean that people can’t and don’t kill each other, and of course we seem
>> to be on the edge of doing that (killing) more extensively at the moment
>> BUT I have never seen that take place in Open Space. It doesn’t even take
>> place when the participants are sworn and professional killers of each
>> other. Now there’s a mystery.
>>
>>
>>
>> Harrison
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] *On
>> Behalf Of * 

Re: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[שגית רוסו יצחקי via OSList]

Thank you Michael and Harrison!
Even though I never imagined weapons or bloodshed in the open space, it's
very reassuring to know that there are no known instances of this
happening! The magic of OST!  :)
I thought more about the people who might feel too shy or embarrassed or
oppressed to initiate conversations and you gave some insights and ideas
about that, Michael, thanks!
I guess it is also about finding the balance between doing whatever is
needed for the people to feel safe and comfortable in the open space and
trusting the people in the group and the process of selforganisation?

I'm indeed very lucky to haveTova as my teacher! :)
all the best,
sagit

‫בתאריך יום א׳, 5 בינו׳ 2020 ב-17:25 מאת ‪Harrison Owen via OSList‬‏ <‪
oslist@lists.openspacetech.org‬‏>:‬

> This may be  a cop out on the questions… but one of the most amazing
> things in the 30+ years I have been privileged to explore Open Space is
> that common people, dealing with a common issue … while sitting in a
> circle, creating a bulletin board and opening a market place – and then
> going to work … always seem to get something useful done. And NEVER (in my
> experience) has blood been shed. It can get terribly exciting, and I
> suspect the facilitator is the most nervous. I have also heard of
> innumerable suggestion for good things to do before, during, and after …
> but none … to the best of my knowledge have made any difference. This does
> not mean that people can’t and don’t kill each other, and of course we seem
> to be on the edge of doing that (killing) more extensively at the moment
> BUT I have never seen that take place in Open Space. It doesn’t even take
> place when the participants are sworn and professional killers of each
> other. Now there’s a mystery.
>
>
>
> Harrison
>
>
>
> *From:* OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] *On Behalf
> Of *  ? via OSList
> *Sent:* Sunday, January 5, 2020 5:50 AM
> *To:* oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
> *Cc:* שגית רוסו יצחקי
> *Subject:* [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a
> safe open space for all it’s participants
>
>
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I’m Sagit,  another one of Tova’s students :)
>
> I'm interested in learning more about three different topics so thank you
> so much for sharing your experience and opinions in one or all!
>
>
>
> *Sponsors -* how vital are they for opening a space?
>
> For example, in the case of an association that is dealing with a
> significant conflict. Since there is no external body that runs the
> association, the question arises as to whether open space can be held
> without sponsors? Can a community have an open space without a sponsor?
>
>
>
> Some questions about *empathy and open space -*
>
> The first one will be - Is empathy important for a successful open space?
>
> And if empathy is important -
>
> How can empathic space be created and maintained for all its partners and
> voices that want to be heard?
>
> What techniques and tools do you use to bring empathy to the open space
> and how do you invite other participants to hold empathy together?
>
> Do you have any signs or metrics for measuring the levels of empathy in an
> open space?
>
>  Did you come across occasions where it was difficult or impossible to
> create an empathic space?
>
>
>
> *Creating an open space that allows all participants a safe and
> comfortable space for expressing themselves * *- *
>
> In Open Space participants are invited to stand up and offer their topics
> for conversation in the marktplace . I’m wondering whether people who are
> not accustomed to make their voices heard or such who are at some
> disadvantage (social, age, gender, origin etc.) Feel safe and comfortable
> initiating conversations in such a space?
>
> What are the ways you know for making the space truly safe and inviting
> for all its participants?
>
> How much does advance preparation contribute to their participation and
> what should it include, in your opinion?
>
> Thanks again for sharing,
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Sagit
>
>
> ___
> OSList mailing list
> To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org
> To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
> Past archives can be viewed here:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
___
OSList mailing list
To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org
To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org
To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
Past archives can be viewed here: 
http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org

Re: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[Birgitt Williams via OSList]

Hi all,
during the OST, what makes a difference are decisions about the theme,
length of the OST, length of sessions, who gets invited and how, reports or
no reports, and whether there is an intention for prioritizing/action post
the OST.

The biggest reason for good prep with many things to consider is to enable
the organization to get the biggest harvest possible out of what was done
in the OST.

There are varying viewpoints in our discussion forum about prep, givens,
debrief, and later on peer with peer accountability meeting. There is a
difference in expectation about follow up within an intact organization and
whether the work has been done for the intact organization to have the
capacity to take advantage of what comes out of the OST. This is less
important for a one time conference with the follow up dependent on the
individuals. In my many years of working with intact organizations, using
OST as one of the processes/tools to accomplish a transformative change, I
am a strong advocate for good prep and follow up.

The fantastic leaders that I have had the privilege to work with are
committed to the transformation, committed to making the most of the OST
meetings that they sponsor, and they are in the front line of holding
steady with liberating structures to allow a participatory architecture to
do its magic.

I was telling a story to someone yesterday. An OST meeting about an
apparently unsolvable problem. The right prep and follow up. Acton plans.
Approval at the government level of the 10 year plan. Plan accomplished in
two years.

in genuine contact,
Birgitt (facilitating and teaching and promoting OST since 1992..with joy)


*Birgitt Williams*
*Supporting You in Developing Your Leadership*
Author,The Genuine Contact Way: Nourishing a Culture of Leadership

Senior Consultant, President Dalar International Consultancy, Inc

Founder Genuine Contact Program
. Co-owner Genuine
Contact Co-owners Group, I nc

*Learn with us for your skill and capacity development for leading and
working in the new leadership paradigm "Leading So People Will Lead"*

*Mentoring Circles & Mastermind Groups* | December 13, 2019 | Online
*Achieving Organizational Health & Balance* | February 21 & 28, 2020 |
Online
*Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way* | March 20, 27 & April 3, 2020
| Online
*Holistic Leadership Development *| April 15-20, 2020 | Waterloo, Canada
*Whole Person Process Facilitation* | April 24, May 1 & 8, 2020 | Online
*Genuine Contact Organization/Summer Academy 2020 *| July 3-10, 2020 |
Waterloo, Canada

>> Learn More & Register
 for any of these
workshops here.


PO Box 19373, Raleigh, NC, USA 27613
Phone: 01-919-522-7750


On Sun, Jan 5, 2020 at 9:50 AM Harrison Owen via OSList <
oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:

> This may be  a cop out on the questions… but one of the most amazing
> things in the 30+ years I have been privileged to explore Open Space is
> that common people, dealing with a common issue … while sitting in a
> circle, creating a bulletin board and opening a market place – and then
> going to work … always seem to get something useful done. And NEVER (in my
> experience) has blood been shed. It can get terribly exciting, and I
> suspect the facilitator is the most nervous. I have also heard of
> innumerable suggestion for good things to do before, during, and after …
> but none … to the best of my knowledge have made any difference. This does
> not mean that people can’t and don’t kill each other, and of course we seem
> to be on the edge of doing that (killing) more extensively at the moment
> BUT I have never seen that take place in Open Space. It doesn’t even take
> place when the participants are sworn and professional killers of each
> other. Now there’s a mystery.
>
>
>
> Harrison
>
>
>
> *From:* OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] *On Behalf
> Of *  ? via OSList
> *Sent:* Sunday, January 5, 2020 5:50 AM
> *To:* oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
> *Cc:* שגית רוסו יצחקי
> *Subject:* [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a
> safe open space for all it’s participants
>
>
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I’m Sagit,  another one of Tova’s students :)
>
> I'm interested in learning more about three different topics so thank you
> so much for sharing your experience and opinions in one or all!
>
>
>
> *Sponsors -* how vital are they for opening a space?
>
> For example, in the case of an association that is dealing with a
> significant conflict. Since there is no external body that runs the
> association, the question arises as to whether open space can be held
> without sponsors? Can a community have an open space without a sponsor?
>
>
>
> Some questions about *empathy and open space -*
>
> The first one will be - Is 

Re: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[Harrison Owen via OSList]

This may be  a cop out on the questions… but one of the most amazing things in 
the 30+ years I have been privileged to explore Open Space is that common 
people, dealing with a common issue … while sitting in a circle, creating a 
bulletin board and opening a market place – and then going to work … always 
seem to get something useful done. And NEVER (in my experience) has blood been 
shed. It can get terribly exciting, and I suspect the facilitator is the most 
nervous. I have also heard of innumerable suggestion for good things to do 
before, during, and after … but none … to the best of my knowledge have made 
any difference. This does not mean that people can’t and don’t kill each other, 
and of course we seem to be on the edge of doing that (killing) more 
extensively at the moment BUT I have never seen that take place in Open Space. 
It doesn’t even take place when the participants are sworn and professional 
killers of each other. Now there’s a mystery.

 

Harrison 

 

From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of  
 ? via OSList
Sent: Sunday, January 5, 2020 5:50 AM
To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Cc: שגית רוסו יצחקי
Subject: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open 
space for all it’s participants

 

Hi everyone, 

I’m Sagit,  another one of Tova’s students :)

I'm interested in learning more about three different topics so thank you so 
much for sharing your experience and opinions in one or all! 

 

Sponsors - how vital are they for opening a space? 

For example, in the case of an association that is dealing with a significant 
conflict. Since there is no external body that runs the association, the 
question arises as to whether open space can be held without sponsors? Can a 
community have an open space without a sponsor? 

 

Some questions about empathy and open space -

The first one will be - Is empathy important for a successful open space?

And if empathy is important - 

How can empathic space be created and maintained for all its partners and 
voices that want to be heard? 

What techniques and tools do you use to bring empathy to the open space and how 
do you invite other participants to hold empathy together? 

Do you have any signs or metrics for measuring the levels of empathy in an open 
space?

 Did you come across occasions where it was difficult or impossible to create 
an empathic space?

 

Creating an open space that allows all participants a safe and comfortable 
space for expressing themselves  - 

In Open Space participants are invited to stand up and offer their topics for 
conversation in the marktplace . I’m wondering whether people who are not 
accustomed to make their voices heard or such who are at some disadvantage 
(social, age, gender, origin etc.) Feel safe and comfortable initiating 
conversations in such a space? 

What are the ways you know for making the space truly safe and inviting for all 
its participants? 

How much does advance preparation contribute to their participation and what 
should it include, in your opinion?

Thanks again for sharing,

Best wishes,

Sagit

 

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Re: [OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[Michael M Pannwitz via OSList]

Dear Sagit,

you are lucky to be Tova's student!

To your questions:

1. "Sponsor" in my understanding is the person who actually opens the 
space by greeting those who are present, speaks briefly to the heading 
under which the event takes place, talks shortly of his expectations and 
hopes for the event and passes the mike to the facilitator... to get 
down to business.
In case a school holds an open space, the principat might take on the 
role of sponsor but it could also be someone selected by the planning 
group such as a student or a parent...

In case a business holds an open space, the CEO might take on this role
In case of a formal Community Organisation it might also be the CEO or 
someone from the Board of Directors

In case of a political party it might be the General Secretary of the Party
In the case you mention, the head or chief or whatever one might call it 
of the association can take on this role... in other words the head or 
appointed person of the internal body of the association


Yes, I think the sponsor has a vital role... as facilitator I had 
contact with the sponsor long before the event took place, the sponsor 
organizes and is part of the planning group, the sponsor is active in 
what happens after the open space, the sponsor is present at the next 
meetings after the open space event...


2. From my point of your empathy will be present or develope during the 
unfolding of the process before, during and after the open space event. 
I dont pay any attention to it.
However, I encourage the sponsor and the planning group and myself with 
the open space facilitation team to pay a great deal of attention to the 
space in which it takes place and arrange everything so that the force 
of selforganisation can unfold... this is a huge topic by itself that 
can be influenced by everyone involved... readable signs and posters, 
fresh and delicious food from the beginning to the end, fresh air and 
windows to the environment of the place... and many other things that 
can actually be influenced. Doing this well will provide a setting in 
which the participants, including the sponsor, will feel welcome, move 
with ease, navigate without too much barriers, have everything to be 
productively active (it does take a lot of energy)...


3. Some aspects were discussed above... a safe and comfortable space can 
be created. From my experience I know that the other stuff you are 
talking about will be taken care of by the folks that gathered for the 
event. Anything you do that the group itself might be able to do is 
simply closing down the space for selforganisation. This is one of the 
toughest task for just about everybody, just to stand there and do 
nothing in the knowledge that the group will take care of it.
Of course, if you know that folks are so fired up that they might come 
to the events with weapons (Harrison described one such an event) its a 
good and sensible and needed intervention to provide for a process for 
folks to leave their guns at the entrance.
If the open space addresses some really wicked stuff and spirits are 
high, there is no way to get much progress in a three hour event... it 
is more likely to work when you have the full 16 hours spread over three 
days, sleeping twice.
Mentioning at the introduction that the bulletin board will be open all 
the time and that there will be opportunities in addition to the opening 
sessins during evening news and morning announcements... will show you 
that participants will post stuff not only in the beginning (for 
whatever reasons that you need not worry about) but throughout the event.


Wishing you a great time in your plunges

Greetings from Berlin and join Tova on your way to Berlin for this years 
Worldwide Open Space on Open Space in Berlin, see here

https://wosonos2020.berlin/


mmp


Am 05.01.2020 um 11:50 schrieb שגית רוסו יצחקי via OSList:

Hi everyone,

I’m Sagit,  another one of Tova’s students :)

I'm interested in learning more about three different topics so thank 
you so much for sharing your experience and opinions in one or all!



Sponsors -how vital are they for opening a space?

For example, in the case of an association that is dealing with a 
significant conflict. Since there is no external body that runs the 
association, the question arises as to whether open space can be held 
without sponsors? Can a community have an open space without a sponsor?



Some questions about empathy and open space -

The first one will be - Is empathy important for a successful open space?

And if empathy is important -

How can empathic space be created and maintained for all its partners 
and voices that want to be heard?


What techniques and tools do you use to bring empathy to the open space 
and how do you invite other participants to hold empathy together?


Do you have any signs or metrics for measuring the levels of empathy in 
an open space?


  Did you come across occasions where it was difficult or 

[OSList] Quite a few questions about Sponsors, empathy and a safe open space for all it’s participants

[שגית רוסו יצחקי via OSList]

Hi everyone,

I’m Sagit,  another one of Tova’s students :)

I'm interested in learning more about three different topics so thank you
so much for sharing your experience and opinions in one or all!

Sponsors - how vital are they for opening a space?

For example, in the case of an association that is dealing with a
significant conflict. Since there is no external body that runs the
association, the question arises as to whether open space can be held
without sponsors? Can a community have an open space without a sponsor?

Some questions about empathy and open space -

The first one will be - Is empathy important for a successful open space?

And if empathy is important -

How can empathic space be created and maintained for all its partners and
voices that want to be heard?

What techniques and tools do you use to bring empathy to the open space and
how do you invite other participants to hold empathy together?

Do you have any signs or metrics for measuring the levels of empathy in an
open space?

 Did you come across occasions where it was difficult or impossible to
create an empathic space?

Creating an open space that allows all participants a safe and comfortable
space for expressing themselves  -

In Open Space participants are invited to stand up and offer their topics
for conversation in the marktplace . I’m wondering whether people who are
not accustomed to make their voices heard or such who are at some
disadvantage (social, age, gender, origin etc.) Feel safe and comfortable
initiating conversations in such a space?

What are the ways you know for making the space truly safe and inviting for
all its participants?

How much does advance preparation contribute to their participation and
what should it include, in your opinion?

Thanks again for sharing,

Best wishes,

Sagit
___
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To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org
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