I'd like to thank everyone who responded to this question. Funny how complicated things seem until you go back to basics. After some reflection I realized that the problem I was trying to come up with a theme that would lead people into discussing what *I* wanted them to talk about - the essence of OS. A grand goal for sure but *my* agenda, not theirs. It was my desire to control the outcome that was interfering with the theme. One more lesson in letting go.
I did feel that it was important that the group not spend time discussing the mechanics of OS - they have the book and we would be spending time on mechanics in the afternoon. I was happy for them to discuss anything except the mechanics of OST. As many people suggested the theme needed to connect with the passion of the group - so we sent everyone coming to the session an email asking them why they were coming. The responses were very aligned - people has heard of /been to/read about OS and wanted to be able to facilitate an OS in their organizations. Their passion was related to bringing OS into their Org's. So the theme became "Issues and Opportunities for Introducing OST into our Organizations" with the "given" that they were not to discuss the mechanics of Open Space. We'll see how it goes. Thanks again for all the good advice. Sharon * * ========================================================== 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