The only times I have participate when holding the space has been when it was an OS on OS type event or a facilitator training, which we have held a number here in Canada. I used to have a "pull" to get involved in some of the discussions in other events, but resisted. I never have tried to participate when I am holding the space for a client or sponsor organization!! I knew that would mess up the power dynamic. NOW, Even at OS on OS type events or training events, I have stopped getting involved and focus on holding the space. I have seen where the involvement of the trainer/OS on OS facilitator breaks the power dynamic of the group and makes the space less open for some of the participants. (Reported to me after the event!) I have come to firmly believe that even though I have wonderful experience, expertise and stories to tell about a topic (from my perspective) that the OS discussion group will discover what it needs to take the next steps on the learning journey better if I am not intervening. I do think that dialogue works to access learning. The person holding the space is in a power relationship with the rest of the group. In traditional facilitation that power is used to intervene in group process or content. In OS it is used to hold space.
Larry Larry Peterson Associates in Transformation 41 Appleton Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada, M6E 3A4 Tel:/Fax: 416-653-4829 lpa...@inforamp.net http://www.inforamp.net/~lpasoc .