I am seeking counsel on how to introduce a group to OS in a very short time. Through conversations with the group, I have now negotiated the possibility of working with them for 3 hours (vs. the original 1.25). One key piece of information was unclear in my original posting: this group draws managers and CEOs from a range of organizations. who only come together once a month for this Round Table breakfast meeting, which is a support group/learning forum for them ("Ideas, Learning & Partnering"). It is a small group - about 16 participants. They typically have two speakers (!) - usually in the form of sharing a case study. I would like to introduce them to OST and stimulate their interest to find ways to bring it to their organizations -thus my goal is educational and yes, marketing!
When Peg Holman first shared my question, your sage counsel helped me set clear boundaries. I liked the suggestion of introducing the general concept and then doing the set-up -- in a circle, up to and including posting topics- plus showing the US West film. It seems like a fun, enlivening and reasonable way to use this brief opportunity to expose the group to OS. Now the organizer has come back offering more time (3 hours) plus a request, "…to explore competencies/performance management issues in a facilitated session.....it would be great if we could design something around this topic (I think people want to find out what other member companies are doing, how competencies are used strategically, share information and brainstorm together...)." 1) Does the idea of engaging people in a brief 3 hour OS meeting around this topic seem like a feasible and effective way to introduce OST? 2) Would you recommend one 'longer' OS session time or two short ones, i.e. 1 x 90 or 2 x 45 minutes? (Total group size is about 16) 3) How does this time frame seem: 45 minutes introduction, opening the circle and setting up marketplace, 90 minutes in meetings (1 x 90 or 2/ 45), 30 minutes closing, 15 minutes brainstorming potential applications of OS to their organizations. 4) This design omits use of the film: what do you think? 5) How would you frame this topic as a 'focus question'? 6) Any suggestions on simple ways to convey the concept of OS for their meeting announcement/invitational flyer? I have experienced many OS meetings and I have led several - but I have not really played this educational role of introducing the form as a tool. I am deeply appreciative for your suggestions! (This meeting is set for May, so it will be a while before I can share the outcome -- but I'll be sure to report back!) THANK YOU, **************** Susan Partnow Partnow Communications 4425 Baker NW Seattle, WA 98107 voice 206-789-8697 fax 206-782-7786 susan...@aol.com ******************