After being away from emails for a bit - it is wonderful to read the rich conversations. This week I was privileged to play with an intro/training for Open Space Technology - fresh in the glow of OSonOS 2005 - incredibly rewarding as this event sold out at 200! Principals, Vice-Principals, School Board Members meet for two days each year in a summer retreat just prior to school returning - all playing in OST for the second day! We had a ball. And mentoring circles started to spring up, several instantly took how I had been using OST in teaching and are taking it further. They want more training and experience!
A few comments from the closing circle. I've been attending this retreat for 18 years and have never felt this engaged. I was skeptical and am now an ambassador. We are a terrific system. Yesterday I saw you all as attentive audience members - today in OST I saw you as wise, professional, compassionate colleagues. I'm using OST for staff meetings whenever possible. I was a teacher and now an administrator - I am astounded at how much freedom I experienced. And many, many more! The sponsoring committee was both challenged and delighted as always. After meeting with the sponsoring team, we chose to spend the first 45 minutes to an hour with some philosophy, videos, description of Open Space - and I was absolutely so excited to simply get into opening the space. It was a wonderful gift to me of giving back to a system that gave so much to my family - several of my sons' teachers were there. The questions at the end of the afternoon were simple, straightforward and brilliant. Participants grasped the simplicity of the form - gentle and tough! I was astounded as they left ready to get out there and try it. I am humbled to witness a system touch and tune into itself - so powerful. Warmly, Judi Judith Richardson, MA, BA, BEd, MEC PONO Consultants International Optimizing Performace, Potential and Profitability Phone: 902.434.6695 FAx: 902.435.1085 Winner International Coach of the Year 2004 Nominee Progress Club Woman of Excellence 2005 * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist