Your concern about sponsor "by-in" to the use of OS is probably the most difficult step to navigate; we all experience it. "It won't work here!" is a common response from sponsors.
Here're my advice(s): 1. DON'T try to convince the sponsor that OS is the answer. It's like trying to sell a used-car. No hard sell for OS please! 2. DON'T try to explain the OS methodology except for the "self-organizing" aspect which results in participant "ownership" of the outcome(s). 3. DO "totally" focus on the sponsors expectations for their event. This, for me, is the key to getting to "go!". My goal in sponsor meetings is to leave with the strong sense that they feel that YOU really know what they want (their desired outcome(s)) for the engagement. I never promise them that that is what they will get BUT I do convince them that I fully understand what they want and assure them that in all my past OS efforts the sponsor was thrilled with the result. So, in short, sell OS by LISTENING TO THE SPONSOR and having them develop trust in YOU! If you use this approach (and I hope you will) let me know how you feel about the result. Peace, Elwin Guild Future Development International Baltimore, Maryland I've said my role would be as a coach/mentor - opening spaces where appropriate and supporting the participants with specifics, support etc. Has anyone done anything like this before? I'd love to hear your insights. I've also heard that the sponsor (a Local Govt) thinks this approach wouldn't work in their community. I believe it will work, but do you have any suggestions on how I could approach their concerns. I have a meeting with the sponsor later this week to further discuss the proposal. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages & get email alerts with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/ * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html =========================================================== osl...@egroups.com To subscribe, 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign up -- provide an email address, and choose a login ID and password 3. Click on "Subscribe" and follow the instructions To unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@egroups.com: 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign in and Proceed