Thanks for the kind words, Raffi. And just a small point. It is quite true that I use the words "Open Space" in the book, but the point of reference has little if anything to do with Open Space Technology, if only because OST had yet to come along. I wrote "Spirit" in 1982 (an earlier draft in 1981). The first Open Space took place in 1985. So I guess the Two Martini Tale will have to stay on for a bit. But I do think you are correct in seeing "Spirit" as reflective of the inner workings of Open Space -- at least one version of that "inner workings." But I would not see this version as being different from (and certainly not antithetical to) an understanding of Open Space as self-organization in action. From where I sit, it all goes together, and for better or for worse, I have tried to put it all together in my later book, "The Power of Spirit." But "Spirit: Transformation and Development in Organizations" was, as it were, my first child. And a first child always holds a special place. So I am glad you have enjoyed it, and I hope others will as well.
Harrison Harrison Owen 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, Maryland 20854 Phone 301-365-2093 Skype hhowen Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org Personal website www.ho-image.com OSLIST: To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives Visit: www.listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu] On Behalf Of Raffi Aftandelian Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 11:00 PM To: osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Subject: book circle invitation Dear fellow spaceholders, >From time to time we ask, "what happens after Open Space?" or "How do we create (conscious) Open Space organizations?" or any number of other Big Questions. One book that probably offers answers to these questions and invites further inquiry is Harrison's self-published "Spirit: Transformation and Development in Organizations" (Abbott Books 1987), available through online bookstores and freely downloadable at Harrison's website. The Utne Reader called it a "cult classic." One might liken reading the "User's Guide" and other later books about OS/OST to being offered to ride in a shiny, red Ferrari. In "Spirit" one might get the feeling that Harrison is lying underneath a Ferrari, wrench in one hand, oil cloth in other hand, saying, "Hey, I've been busy all my life discovering this time machine called Open Space, wanna see how it ticks and join me for the ride?" "Spirit" is intriguing not only for what it says, but also for what is left unsaid. Indeed, Harrison, I think one of your greatest gifts as a writer is how you subtly leave the space open for the reader to formulate the question. I have found "Spirit" exciting for a number of reasons, including: - it tells much more of the story of OS, sans martinis - connections between the myth, liturgy, ritual, and organizational transformation are established - case examples of application of OS principles before there was an OST. - this book offers a perspective on understanding the form and essence of OS/OST without a mention of self-organization. Self-organization is a great way of explaining why OST works *and* there must be other ways of understanding and explaining why it works. Might "Spirit" be the most significant thing that Harrison ever wrote on OST and the open space of our lives? I would like to extend an invitation to anybody who cares to to explore this book together. I'd like to convene a "Spirit" discussion group. I see us gathering by conference call once a month sharing our (new) questions, insights, challenges as we go through this book. If interested, drop me a line offline. You can find the book at http://www.openspaceworld.com/Spirit.pdf Warmly, Raffi Aftandelian * * ========================================================== 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 * * ========================================================== 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