[OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Hi my dear open space family I wonder if there is experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention and how we could, each of us, go about inviting this experience to participating in the next and future Wosonos events. Who are the people that want to explor how to develop the OST approach further in their organizations and networks? I think we usually call them sponsors! With love Kári ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Kari, Continuing conversations are the essence of a adaptive, innovative and self organising organisation. The perturbation of an organisation or group by innovative processes like Open Space is a challenge for those involved, in particular those who gave permission for the event to take place as once the power of opening space is manifest decisions must be made. Will we continue, will we act on the new reality, etc. I believe the original facilitator should have explored this with the persons who have permission so that there is no surprises about process and where it might lead including what might happen when the real potential of a group is realised or awakened. People will find a way to continue and they will insist on process that is open. As Harrison described the people will send out messages until the right time when the right people will gather with the right process and the process will continue. All this despite what you might do as the genie is out of the bottle! Regards Rob > On 6 Aug 2018, at 10:06 pm, Kári Gunnarsson via OSList > wrote: > > Hi my dear open space family > > I wonder if there is experience in developing Open Space further in > organizations and networks after the initial intervention and how we could, > each of us, go about inviting this experience to participating in the next > and future Wosonos events. > > Who are the people that want to explor how to develop the OST approach > further in their organizations and networks? I think we usually call them > sponsors! > > With love > Kári > > > ___ > OSList mailing list > To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org > To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org > Past archives can be viewed here: > http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Dear Kari, probably, there are loads of such experiences. One of them that found its way into "literature" you can see here https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Practicing-Open-Space-Our-First-Ten-Years-E-Book (it was first published as Chapter 5 in "Meine open space Praxis" and then as a stand-alone; its a short paper and in I think 5 languages) Several of the participants have been parts of regional, european and worldwide OSonOSes. In fact, there were several events focusing especially on this experience. They were called "International gatherings on InterActived Organisations" that took place in Krakow (2002), Budapest (2005) and Istanbul (2006). I am sending you a seperate email with the invitation to the Istanbul event attached. greetings from Berlin mmp Am 06.08.2018 um 14:06 schrieb Kári Gunnarsson via OSList: Hi my dear open space family I wonder if there is experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention and how we could, each of us, go about inviting this experience to participating in the next and future Wosonos events. Who are the people that want to explor how to develop the OST approach further in their organizations and networks? I think we usually call them sponsors! With love Kári ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org -- Michael M Pannwitz Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin, Germany ++49 - 30-772 8000 mmpannw...@gmail.com Check out the Open Space World Map presently showing 467 resident Open Space Workers in 76 countries working in a total of 145 countries worldwide www.openspaceworldmap.org At my publisher you find books and task cards on open space, most in German, some in English, some as ebooks, some multilingual https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Kommunikation ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
nce over our group work. However, if the RIGHT people (those who really care) are involved in any topic, they will find a way to make sure their work is completed and the work of the group is brought to a successful conclusion. There are NO CONSTRAINTS on the following: 1. Who can call a meeting. 2. The type of problem or opportunity that is being addressed. 3. The availability of time to have a meeting. 4. Who may attend a meeting. 5. The availability of information necessary for a group to work. Open Space assumes a consensual process will be observed by the ad hoc groups that form and that all ideas will be considered respectfully by the people in the group. Within a group, the convener takes responsibility for articulating the situation under discussion. Another member of the group will act as a recorder. Between the two of them they will develop a brief report of the meeting and circulate it to everyone else at the Center. The ad hoc group may choose to modify its plans based on feedback. In this kind of organization there is little reason for an ongoing committee structure. Some groups, for example the academic program heads, may have reason to meet on a regular basis. But we believe committees are most useful when they are composed of people who are really interested and when they are established to deal with relatively discreet situations and then dissolved. While we believe this is a good way to develop a truly successful organization, it is an approach to organizational behavior which is fraught with insecurity which, in the short run, may produce fear, anger and frustration. It will take a long time for 43 those of us who have lived in hierarchical and paternalistic organizations to believe we are really empowered. We, at the Center for Rural Health, recognize this philosophy is somewhat revolutionary and will be uncomfortable for all of us some of the time. But we also believe people do their best when they are empowered to control the conditions that affect them. We also think that solutions which are imposed on people rather than generated by the people who are affected are doomed to failure. Finally, we think we have a wonderful opportunity to test this theory because of the quality of the people who work for the Center. If we are wrong, then, in the spirit of Open Space, we are empowered to throw it out and adopt another philosophy. For further information contact: Loyd Kepferle / Karen Main Center for rural Health 100 Airport Garden Drive. And if you want your own copy (with many other examples) go to www.openspaceworld.com Look in “Books,” and check out “Tales From Open Space.” Can’t rember when we published it, but sometime in the ‘90’s. A while ago. Harrison Winter Address 7808 River Falls Dr. Potomac, MD 20854 301-365-2093 Summer Address 189 Beaucauire Ave Camden, ME 04843 207 763-3261 Websites www.openspaceworld.com www.ho-image.com From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Kári Gunnarsson via OSList Sent: Monday, August 6, 2018 8:06 AM To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org Cc: Kári Gunnarsson Subject: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Hi my dear open space family I wonder if there is experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention and how we could, each of us, go about inviting this experience to participating in the next and future Wosonos events. Who are the people that want to explor how to develop the OST approach further in their organizations and networks? I think we usually call them sponsors! With love Kári ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
s or procedures; or, > if they are contradictory to University of Kentucky rules, another solution > can be sought. 3. Proposed solutions cannot be hurtful to anyone else. 4. > Proposed solutions should channel our limited resources in such a way as to > have maximum impact on achieving 42 our goal. 5. Accomplishing the work for > which we were hired takes precedence over our group work. However, if the > RIGHT people (those who really care) are involved in any topic, they will > find a way to make sure their work is completed and the work of the group is > brought to a successful conclusion. There are NO CONSTRAINTS on the > following: 1. Who can call a meeting. 2. The type of problem or opportunity > that is being addressed. 3. The availability of time to have a meeting. 4. > Who may attend a meeting. 5. The availability of information necessary for a > group to work. Open Space assumes a consensual process will be observed by > the ad hoc groups that form and that all ideas will be considered > respectfully by the people in the group. Within a group, the convener takes > responsibility for articulating the situation under discussion. Another > member of the group will act as a recorder. Between the two of them they will > develop a brief report of the meeting and circulate it to everyone else at > the Center. The ad hoc group may choose to modify its plans based on > feedback. In this kind of organization there is little reason for an ongoing > committee structure. Some groups, for example the academic program heads, may > have reason to meet on a regular basis. But we believe committees are most > useful when they are composed of people who are really interested and when > they are established to deal with relatively discreet situations and then > dissolved. While we believe this is a good way to develop a truly successful > organization, it is an approach to organizational behavior which is fraught > with insecurity which, in the short run, may produce fear, anger and > frustration. It will take a long time for 43 those of us who have lived in > hierarchical and paternalistic organizations to believe we are really > empowered. We, at the Center for Rural Health, recognize this philosophy is > somewhat revolutionary and will be uncomfortable for all of us some of the > time. But we also believe people do their best when they are empowered to > control the conditions that affect them. We also think that solutions which > are imposed on people rather than generated by the people who are affected > are doomed to failure. Finally, we think we have a wonderful opportunity to > test this theory because of the quality of the people who work for the > Center. If we are wrong, then, in the spirit of Open Space, we are empowered > to throw it out and adopt another philosophy. For further information > contact: Loyd Kepferle / Karen Main Center for rural Health 100 Airport > Garden Drive. > > And if you want your own copy (with many other examples) go to > www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com/> Look in “Books,” and > check out “Tales From Open Space.” Can’t rember when we published it, but > sometime in the ‘90’s. A while ago. > > Harrison > > Winter Address > 7808 River Falls Dr. > Potomac, MD 20854 > 301-365-2093 > > Summer Address > 189 Beaucauire Ave > Camden, ME 04843 > 207 763-3261 > > Websites > www.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com/> > www.ho-image.com <http://www.ho-image.com/> > > From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org > <mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org>] On Behalf Of Kári Gunnarsson > via OSList > Sent: Monday, August 6, 2018 8:06 AM > To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org <mailto:oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> > Cc: Kári Gunnarsson > Subject: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in > organizations and networks after the initial intervention > > Hi my dear open space family > > I wonder if there is experience in developing Open Space further in > organizations and networks after the initial intervention and how we could, > each of us, go about inviting this experience to participating in the next > and future Wosonos events. > > Who are the people that want to explor how to develop the OST approach > further in their organizations and networks? I think we usually call them > sponsors! > > With love > Kári > > > ___ > OSList mailing list > To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org > <mailto:OSList@lists.openspacetech.org> > To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.opens
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Many thanks to Harrison Owen and Peggy Holman for sharing this — and to Birgitt Williams, of course! And now, twenty years and more later, what are your reflections? /Jan Höglund, Sweden ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Kari, thank you for bringing this theme up again, Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder Peggy, and thank you Birgitt !!! for leading the way for Open Space Organizations and sharing you deep knowledge so generously With gratitude to all of you Tova From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Peggy Holman via OSList Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2018 1:33 AM To: Open Listserv Cc: Peggy Holman Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Kari, Check out Birgitt William’s stories in the OSlist archives about the social service organization she ran as an Open Space Organization. Among her posts, my favorite is one where she listed her lessons about Open Space Organizations: https://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org/msg03764.html My story of the Open Space Organization Part 2 of 4 18 Jan 2001 I’ve put an excerpt from it below called Ingredients of the Open Space Organization. Another favorite insight from Birgitt is captured in this message <https://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org/msg02865.html> , called Open Space client opportunity from July 20, 2000: IN EACH AND EVERY EXAMPLE INCLUDING THE ONE AT WESLEY, ABOUT THREE TO FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST OPEN SPACE EVENT AND ONCE SOME OF THE NEW WAYS OF OPERATING ARE IN PLACE, THERE IS A REVOLT BY STAFF THAT IS VERY LARGE AND AWFUL FOR THE LEADERSHIP. Even though staff want the change at the start, they rebel and get very angry at the leadership. In all cases it is about this time that leadership ends up in tears, wondering if they have made a BIG mistake, doubting themselves as competent leaders. COACHING/MENTORING/HAND HOLDING from the consultant is critical at this time just as the midwife holding the hand of the woman in labour when things start to get really bad just before birth. It is exactly the time not to try to fight what is happening, and the most important thing the coach can do is to reassure and to tell stories of how "normal" this stage is. When everyone gets through this stage, staff start talking about how angry they were but how they now get it. And leaders talk about their anger at Open Space but when asked if they would do it over again, always say that they WOULD. In every case they said that although the transition had been very painful, that the stuff was out in the open that had always been under the surface and had always gotten in the way (ie: Dead Moose stuff) * Ingredients of the Open Space Organization Below, I present a list of what we learned to pay attention to as an Open Space Organization. We refined this during those three years, actively and intentionally learning together to capture what worked. 1. The grief cycle at work promoting understanding and tolerance All staff were introduced to an understanding of the cycle of griefwork and challenged to view situations within Wesley Urban Ministries from a perspective that rather than dealing with "resistance to change", we could be dealing with a person working through the grief cycle. This promoted understanding and tolerance, and brought a shift towards deferring judgement about others. 2. Storytelling promoting awareness, collectiveness, empathy, truth Time was taken at regular intervals, every three months or so, for staff to tell stories. These were stories of the organization, of their immediate work in the organization or the larger context. Story telling time was seen as valuable, with all stories-sads, glads, and mads-being valued. Sometimes pictures and other artifacts accompanied the story telling. Through the story telling, we wove a story of a corporate culture that fostered social justice and valued all people as precious. 3. The story of the organization including purpose, values and vision We worked to achieve great clarity about our purpose, values and vision throughout the organization that was understood by all who were involved with the organization. The purpose, values, and vision were taken into account during every Policy and Operating decision that was made. All decisions and actions were upheld to ensure congruity with the purpose, values and vision. 4. The deep essence, working with what is not seen including Spirit We realized that much of what we spent our energy on as an organization especially energy in dealing with conflicts involved attention to behaviors and actions. As a staff we started talking about a theory that was known as the "iceberg theory", attesting that most of what was really going on in the organization was below the level of the visible (behaviors and actions) and at the levels of emotion, meaning, perception and interpretation. We started putting more energy to discussing the unseen. Some of this was done by our discussions about purpose, values and vision.
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Reflections? It took me a while to recognize that Open Space is not a method that we might do or impose rather it is a memory of what we already possess. OS simply allows us to recall that we are all self-organizing creatures no matter how much we might like to think we are in charge. The really ridiculous thing is that clients pay us (occasionally quite well) for giving them something they already possess. But at 82, my ethics are getting a little foggy. I did have a client one time who figured it out. He said, Harrison, you have the greatest con game going. You charge a significant fee for something the people already have (but may not know it) and then you go and take a nap while they do exactly what they already know how to do Keep those checks coming Baby! Of course, I am here in Maine where the weather is warmish but wonderful and what would you say about that? Harrison From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Jan Hoglund via OSList Sent: Thursday, August 9, 2018 2:21 AM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: Jan Hoglund Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Many thanks to Harrison Owen and Peggy Holman for sharing this and to Birgitt Williams, of course! And now, twenty years and more later, what are your reflections? /Jan Höglund, Sweden ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Living it large Harrison. ☺ From: OSList on behalf of Harrison Owen via OSList Reply-To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Date: Thursday, 9 August 2018 at 21:42 To: 'World wide Open Space Technology email list' Cc: Harrison Owen Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Reflections? It took me a while to recognize that Open Space is not a method that we might “do” or “impose” – rather it is a memory of what we already possess. OS simply allows us to recall that we are all self-organizing creatures – no matter how much we might like to think we are “in charge.” The really ridiculous thing is that clients pay us (occasionally quite well) for giving them something they already possess. But at 82, my ethics are getting a little foggy. I did have a client one time who figured it out. He said, “Harrison, you have the greatest con game going. You charge a significant fee for something the people already have (but may not know it) – and then you go and take a nap while they do exactly what they already know how to do…” Keep those checks coming Baby! Of course, I am here in Maine where the weather is warmish but wonderful… and what would you say about that? Harrison From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Jan Hoglund via OSList Sent: Thursday, August 9, 2018 2:21 AM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: Jan Hoglund Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Many thanks to Harrison Owen and Peggy Holman for sharing this — and to Birgitt Williams, of course! And now, twenty years and more later, what are your reflections? /Jan Höglund, Sweden ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Thanks a lot Peggy! I didn´t know this wordelful story about Open Space Organizations. It's very inspiring! I am very greatful of being part of this community!! Agustin Kari, thank you for bringing this theme up again,Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder Peggy,and thank you Birgitt !!!for leading the way for Open Space Organizations and sharing you deep knowledge so generouslyWith gratitude to all of youTova From: Peggy Holman via OSList To: Open Listserv Cc: Peggy Holman Sent: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 5:32 PM Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Kari, Check out Birgitt William’s stories in the OSlist archives about the social service organization she ran as an Open Space Organization. Among her posts, my favorite is one where she listed her lessons about Open Space Organizations: https://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org/msg03764.htmlMy story of the Open Space Organization Part 2 of 418 Jan 2001 I’ve put an excerpt from it below called Ingredients of the Open Space Organization. Another favorite insight from Birgitt is captured in this message, called Open Space client opportunity from July 20, 2000:IN EACH AND EVERY EXAMPLE INCLUDING THE ONE AT WESLEY, ABOUT THREE TO FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST OPEN SPACE EVENT AND ONCE SOME OF THE NEW WAYS OF OPERATING ARE IN PLACE, THERE IS A REVOLT BY STAFF THAT IS VERY LARGE AND AWFUL FOR THE LEADERSHIP. Even though staff want the change at the start, they rebel and get very angry at the leadership. In all cases it is about this time that leadership ends up in tears, wondering if they have made a BIG mistake, doubting themselves as competent leaders. COACHING/MENTORING/HAND HOLDING from the consultant is critical at this time just as the midwife holding the hand of the woman in labour when things start to get really bad just before birth. It is exactly the time not to try to fight what is happening, and the most important thing the coach can do is to reassure and to tell stories of how "normal" this stage is. When everyone gets through this stage, staff start talking about how angry they were but how they now get it. And leaders talk about their anger at Open Space but when asked if they would do it over again, always say that they WOULD. In every case they said that although the transition had been very painful, that the stuff was out in the open that had always been under the surface and had always gotten in the way (ie: Dead Moose stuff) * Ingredients of the Open Space Organization Below, I present a list of what we learned to pay attention to as an Open Space Organization. We refined this during those three years, actively and intentionally learning together to capture what worked. 1. The grief cycle at work promoting understanding and tolerance All staff were introduced to an understanding of the cycle of griefwork and challenged to view situations within Wesley Urban Ministries from a perspective that rather than dealing with "resistance to change", we could be dealing with a person working through the grief cycle. This promoted understanding and tolerance, and brought a shift towards deferring judgement about others. 2. Storytelling promoting awareness, collectiveness, empathy, truth Time was taken at regular intervals, every three months or so, for staff to tell stories. These were stories of the organization, of their immediate work in the organization or the larger context. Story telling time was seen as valuable, with all stories-sads, glads, and mads-being valued. Sometimes pictures and other artifacts accompanied the story telling. Through the story telling, we wove a story of a corporate culture that fostered social justice and valued all people as precious. 3. The story of the organization including purpose, values and vision We worked to achieve great clarity about our purpose, values and vision throughout the organization that was understood by all who were involved with the organization. The purpose, values, and vision were taken into account during every Policy and Operating decision that was made. All decisions and actions were upheld to ensure congruity with the purpose, values and vision. 4. The deep essence, working with what is not seen including Spirit We realized that much of what we spent our energy on as an organization especially energy in dealing with conflicts involved attention to behaviors and actions. As a staff we started talking about a theory that was known as the "iceberg theory", attesting that most of what was really going on in the organization was below the level of the visible (behaviors and actions) and at the levels of emotion, meaning, perception and interpretation. We started putting more energy to discussing the unseen. Some of this was done by our discussions about purpose, values and vision. Equally as valuable t
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
On Aug 10, 2018, at 10:25, agusj via OSList wrote: Thanks a lot Peggy! I didn´t know this wordelful story about Open Space Organizations. It's very inspiring! I am very greatful of being part of this community!! Agustin Kari, thank you for bringing this theme up again, Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder Peggy, and thank you Birgitt !!! for leading the way for Open Space Organizations and sharing you deep knowledge so generously With gratitude to all of you Tova From: Peggy Holman via OSList To: Open Listserv Cc: Peggy Holman Sent: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 5:32 PM Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Kari, Check out Birgitt William’s stories in the OSlist archives about the social service organization she ran as an Open Space Organization. Among her posts, my favorite is one where she listed her lessons about Open Space Organizations: https://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org/msg03764.html My story of the Open Space Organization Part 2 of 4 18 Jan 2001 I’ve put an excerpt from it below called Ingredients of the Open Space Organization. Another favorite insight from Birgitt is captured in this message, called Open Space client opportunity from July 20, 2000: IN EACH AND EVERY EXAMPLE INCLUDING THE ONE AT WESLEY, ABOUT THREE TO FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST OPEN SPACE EVENT AND ONCE SOME OF THE NEW WAYS OF OPERATING ARE IN PLACE, THERE IS A REVOLT BY STAFF THAT IS VERY LARGE AND AWFUL FOR THE LEADERSHIP. Even though staff want the change at the start, they rebel and get very angry at the leadership. In all cases it is about this time that leadership ends up in tears, wondering if they have made a BIG mistake, doubting themselves as competent leaders. COACHING/MENTORING/HAND HOLDING from the consultant is critical at this time just as the midwife holding the hand of the woman in labour when things start to get really bad just before birth. It is exactly the time not to try to fight what is happening, and the most important thing the coach can do is to reassure and to tell stories of how "normal" this stage is. When everyone gets through this stage, staff start talking about how angry they were but how they now get it. And leaders talk about their anger at Open Space but when asked if they would do it over again, always say that they WOULD. In every case they said that although the transition had been very painful, that the stuff was out in the open that had always been under the surface and had always gotten in the way (ie: Dead Moose stuff) * Ingredients of the Open Space Organization Below, I present a list of what we learned to pay attention to as an Open Space Organization. We refined this during those three years, actively and intentionally learning together to capture what worked. 1. The grief cycle at work promoting understanding and tolerance All staff were introduced to an understanding of the cycle of griefwork and challenged to view situations within Wesley Urban Ministries from a perspective that rather than dealing with "resistance to change", we could be dealing with a person working through the grief cycle. This promoted understanding and tolerance, and brought a shift towards deferring judgement about others. 2. Storytelling promoting awareness, collectiveness, empathy, truth Time was taken at regular intervals, every three months or so, for staff to tell stories. These were stories of the organization, of their immediate work in the organization or the larger context. Story telling time was seen as valuable, with all stories-sads, glads, and mads-being valued. Sometimes pictures and other artifacts accompanied the story telling. Through the story telling, we wove a story of a corporate culture that fostered social justice and valued all people as precious. 3. The story of the organization including purpose, values and vision We worked to achieve great clarity about our purpose, values and vision throughout the organization that was understood by all who were involved with the organization. The purpose, values, and vision were taken into account during every Policy and Operating decision that was made. All decisions and actions were upheld to ensure congruity with the purpose, values and vision. 4. The deep essence, working with what is not seen including Spirit We realized that much of what we spent our energy on as an organization especially energy in dealing with conflicts involved attention to behaviors and actions. As a staff we started talking about a theory that was known as the "iceberg theory", attesting that most of what was really going on in the organization was below the level of the visible (behaviors and actions) and at the levels of emotion, meaning, perception and interpretation. We started putting more energy to discussing the unseen. Some of this was done by our discussio
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Director for not overspending >> the Center's budget. In this example, however, if funds were not available >> from the Center, this information would only lead the technology group to >> consider other funding sources. It would not negate their right to improve >> our programs. We believe that even with these limitations, the vast majority >> of problems and opportunities which come to the Center can be resolved by >> maximizing the talents and creativity of our 41 employees through >> empowerment. In this regard, we believe that all of us are using our >> abilities to make the Center succeed. ALL OF OUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE EQUAL. In >> these efforts there is no hierarchy or "chain of command". We simply perform >> different functions. To operationalize this philosophy, we are working hard >> to make a process we experimented with a reality in every day life at the >> Center. The process is called "Open Space". The main idea of this process is >> that "People who care most passionately about a problem or opportunity have >> the RIGHT and the RESPONSIBILITY to do something about it". This basic idea >> supersedes all notions of a hierarchical organizational structure which >> requires individuals with problems or ideas to proceed through several >> layers of authority in order to articulate a problem/solution or idea before >> it can be addressed or implemented. Underlying this approach is the idea >> that success is dependent on commitment which comes from Ownership which is >> dependent on power. There are only five constraints on this model of >> personal empowerment: 1. When a problem or opportunity is to be discussed, >> there must be wide notification of the meeting time and place so anyone who >> is interested can attend. 2. Proposed solutions/ideas must be broadcast >> widely so they can be acknowledged as Center policies, programs or >> procedures; or, if they are contradictory to University of Kentucky rules, >> another solution can be sought. 3. Proposed solutions cannot be hurtful to >> anyone else. 4. Proposed solutions should channel our limited resources in >> such a way as to have maximum impact on achieving 42 our goal. 5. >> Accomplishing the work for which we were hired takes precedence over our >> group work. However, if the RIGHT people (those who really care) are >> involved in any topic, they will find a way to make sure their work is >> completed and the work of the group is brought to a successful conclusion. >> There are NO CONSTRAINTS on the following: 1. Who can call a meeting. 2. The >> type of problem or opportunity that is being addressed. 3. The availability >> of time to have a meeting. 4. Who may attend a meeting. 5. The availability >> of information necessary for a group to work. Open Space assumes a >> consensual process will be observed by the ad hoc groups that form and that >> all ideas will be considered respectfully by the people in the group. Within >> a group, the convener takes responsibility for articulating the situation >> under discussion. Another member of the group will act as a recorder. >> Between the two of them they will develop a brief report of the meeting and >> circulate it to everyone else at the Center. The ad hoc group may choose to >> modify its plans based on feedback. In this kind of organization there is >> little reason for an ongoing committee structure. Some groups, for example >> the academic program heads, may have reason to meet on a regular basis. But >> we believe committees are most useful when they are composed of people who >> are really interested and when they are established to deal with relatively >> discreet situations and then dissolved. While we believe this is a good way >> to develop a truly successful organization, it is an approach to >> organizational behavior which is fraught with insecurity which, in the short >> run, may produce fear, anger and frustration. It will take a long time for >> 43 those of us who have lived in hierarchical and paternalistic >> organizations to believe we are really empowered. We, at the Center for >> Rural Health, recognize this philosophy is somewhat revolutionary and will >> be uncomfortable for all of us some of the time. But we also believe people >> do their best when they are empowered to control the conditions that affect >> them. We also think that solutions which are imposed on people rather than >> generated by the people who are affected are doomed to failure. Finally, we >> think we have a wonderful opportunity to test this theory because of
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Definitely must be the Old Curmudgeon in me … And Birgitt and I have gone around this one several times J AND… I’ve always been a little suspicious of the necessity/possibility of developing an “Open Space Organization. My reasoning is simple (simple minded?). By my reckoning – All organizations are (already) Open Space organizations… they are just doing it very badly. Premise is that self organization has been the operative force with ALL systems for roughly 13.7 billion years. That would include stars, galaxies, centipedes, ant colonies AND Human Systems – even that funny thing called “our organization.” I know that everybody (most people) say we organized it – but truth of the matter, as I would see it: We may have put some thoughts down on paper, which we called a Business Plan, Organization Chart or whatever… but the moment that glorious plan hit Time/Space (Reality) “it” did what everything else in Time/Space does – Self Organizes. The alternative, of course is that it ceases to exist. Terminates, in a word. Crazy, I’m sure – but you can “prove it” to yourself, I think with a simple question: Have you ever seen a any plan/org chart that ever lasted longer than the time it took for the ink to dry, digital bits to vaporize in the cyber-sphere? And should it have survived (most don’t) who did it? I know a lot of folks who would like to claim credit (they get paid the Big Bucks)… but I think they are fudging a bit. And to play an old song: Open Space is not a method, technique, procedure – it is simply a remembrance of who and what we really are. ho From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of agusj via OSList Sent: Friday, August 10, 2018 10:25 AM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: agusj Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Thanks a lot Peggy! I didn´t know this wordelful story about Open Space Organizations. It's very inspiring! I am very greatful of being part of this community!! Agustin Kari, thank you for bringing this theme up again, Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder Peggy, and thank you Birgitt !!! for leading the way for Open Space Organizations and sharing you deep knowledge so generously With gratitude to all of you Tova _ From: Peggy Holman via OSList To: Open Listserv Cc: Peggy Holman Sent: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 5:32 PM Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Kari, Check out Birgitt William’s stories in the OSlist archives about the social service organization she ran as an Open Space Organization. Among her posts, my favorite is one where she listed her lessons about Open Space Organizations: https://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org/msg03764.html My story of the Open Space Organization Part 2 of 4 18 Jan 2001 I’ve put an excerpt from it below called Ingredients of the Open Space Organization. Another favorite insight from Birgitt is captured in this message <https://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org/msg02865.html> , called Open Space client opportunity from July 20, 2000: IN EACH AND EVERY EXAMPLE INCLUDING THE ONE AT WESLEY, ABOUT THREE TO FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST OPEN SPACE EVENT AND ONCE SOME OF THE NEW WAYS OF OPERATING ARE IN PLACE, THERE IS A REVOLT BY STAFF THAT IS VERY LARGE AND AWFUL FOR THE LEADERSHIP. Even though staff want the change at the start, they rebel and get very angry at the leadership. In all cases it is about this time that leadership ends up in tears, wondering if they have made a BIG mistake, doubting themselves as competent leaders. COACHING/MENTORING/HAND HOLDING from the consultant is critical at this time just as the midwife holding the hand of the woman in labour when things start to get really bad just before birth. It is exactly the time not to try to fight what is happening, and the most important thing the coach can do is to reassure and to tell stories of how "normal" this stage is. When everyone gets through this stage, staff start talking about how angry they were but how they now get it. And leaders talk about their anger at Open Space but when asked if they would do it over again, always say that they WOULD. In every case they said that although the transition had been very painful, that the stuff was out in the open that had always been under the surface and had always gotten in the way (ie: Dead Moose stuff) * Ingredients of the Open Space Organization Below, I present a list of what we learned to pay attention to as an Open Space Organization. We refined this during those three years, actively and intentionally learning together to capture what worked. 1. The grief cycle at work promoting understanding and
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Thanks for your reflections Harrison! Rachel Naomi Remen also speaks about 'who and what' we already are: "The power to repair the world is already in you." "In befriending life, we do not make things happen according to our own design. We uncover something that is already happening in us and around us and create conditions that enable it. Everything is moving toward its place of wholeness. Befriending life requires that we listen for that potential which is trying to actualize itself over time. … It is not about mastering life, controlling it or exerting our will over it, no matter how well intentioned our will may be. … It means listening to life from the place in us that is connected to the wholeness around us. The place in us that is also whole." —Rachel Naomi Remen, My Grandfather's Blessings I assume this is somewhat in line with your thinking? Maybe 'blessing' a space, or an organization, is a way to open it further? And it opens yourself. Just a thought. Thanks again, /Jan Höglund, Sweden ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Jan Rachel is probably coming from her own special place, but I would judge we end up at the same point. I think we save lots of time and energy when we are sensitive to what is already present and try to enhance or enable it… as opposed to starting from scratch. When I work with a client (all those years ago) I would point out, should the occasion arise, that Open Space might look a little different (sitting in circles, etc) but it was pretty much what they were already doing in those moments when they really under the gun and trying to accomplish something. Certainly they might have formal meetings, issue memos, emails etc – but in the “crunch time” (American for serious talk) they would “huddle up.” Which is just another word for forming a circle. Really effective organizations (High Performing Systems) simply bypass the formal stuff and get right to the circle. We can help them do that. Harrison Winter Address 7808 River Falls Dr. Potomac, MD 20854 301-365-2093 Summer Address 189 Beaucauire Ave Camden, ME 04843 207 763-3261 Websites www.openspaceworld.com www.ho-image.com From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Jan Hoglund via OSList Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 3:09 PM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: Jan Hoglund Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Thanks for your reflections Harrison! Rachel Naomi Remen also speaks about 'who and what' we already are: "The power to repair the world is already in you." "In befriending life, we do not make things happen according to our own design. We uncover something that is already happening in us and around us and create conditions that enable it. Everything is moving toward its place of wholeness. Befriending life requires that we listen for that potential which is trying to actualize itself over time. … It is not about mastering life, controlling it or exerting our will over it, no matter how well intentioned our will may be. … It means listening to life from the place in us that is connected to the wholeness around us. The place in us that is also whole." —Rachel Naomi Remen, My Grandfather's Blessings I assume this is somewhat in line with your thinking? Maybe 'blessing' a space, or an organization, is a way to open it further? And it opens yourself. Just a thought. Thanks again, /Jan Höglund, Sweden ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Harrison, the process is so comfortable ie sitting in circles, speaking when there is something to say, listening to others, keeping our minds open to insights and differences etc. Yes we do it all the time! Therein lies an issue for those looking for the “silver” bullet from “outside” as the promise we can make is for an opportunity to explore issues and opportunities associated with a particular question we have little control on what might come and we have faith in the community of concern will have the best ways of dealing with their concern. Sometimes it is a “road to Damascus experience and most of the time it is an insight that needs to be explored. This raises another issue for those who think the one meeting will be all that is required and blindly race into the future thinking that change is something that others do. Opening the space is more a process than an event and seeing / believing in this is one of the main stays of Open Space along with the faith that within the community of concern we have the power to implement insights and directions gained from empowering the community to “live”. Regards Rob > On 12 Aug 2018, at 5:09 am, Jan Hoglund via OSList > wrote: > > Thanks for your reflections Harrison! > > Rachel Naomi Remen also speaks about 'who and what' we already are: > > "The power to repair the world is already in you." > "In befriending life, we do not make things happen according to our own > design. We uncover something that is already happening in us and around us > and create conditions that enable it. Everything is moving toward its place > of wholeness. Befriending life requires that we listen for that potential > which is trying to actualize itself over time. … It is not about mastering > life, controlling it or exerting our will over it, no matter how well > intentioned our will may be. … It means listening to life from the place in > us that is connected to the wholeness around us. The place in us that is also > whole." > —Rachel Naomi Remen, My Grandfather's Blessings > > I assume this is somewhat in line with your thinking? Maybe 'blessing' a > space, or an organization, is a way to open it further? And it opens > yourself. Just a thought. > > Thanks again, > /Jan Höglund, Sweden > > > > > > ___ > OSList mailing list > To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org > To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org > Past archives can be viewed here: > http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Rob – you have identified one of the most curious aspects of dealing with clients and/or potential clients regarding Open Space. It’s too simple. Couldn’t possibly happen, and doesn’t cost enough. I had one (major) corporate client who told me to double my fee otherwise, he said, he couldn’t possibly get the contract through the front office. I did what he asked and always felt rather guilty about it all. But he was very happy, and of course the Open Space “worked” as usual. For obvious reasons all names are withheld to protect the innocent and gullible J ho From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of R Chaffe via OSList Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 10:02 PM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: R Chaffe Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Harrison, the process is so comfortable ie sitting in circles, speaking when there is something to say, listening to others, keeping our minds open to insights and differences etc. Yes we do it all the time! Therein lies an issue for those looking for the “silver” bullet from “outside” as the promise we can make is for an opportunity to explore issues and opportunities associated with a particular question we have little control on what might come and we have faith in the community of concern will have the best ways of dealing with their concern. Sometimes it is a “road to Damascus experience and most of the time it is an insight that needs to be explored. This raises another issue for those who think the one meeting will be all that is required and blindly race into the future thinking that change is something that others do. Opening the space is more a process than an event and seeing / believing in this is one of the main stays of Open Space along with the faith that within the community of concern we have the power to implement insights and directions gained from empowering the community to “live”. Regards Rob On 12 Aug 2018, at 5:09 am, Jan Hoglund via OSList wrote: Thanks for your reflections Harrison! Rachel Naomi Remen also speaks about 'who and what' we already are: "The power to repair the world is already in you." "In befriending life, we do not make things happen according to our own design. We uncover something that is already happening in us and around us and create conditions that enable it. Everything is moving toward its place of wholeness. Befriending life requires that we listen for that potential which is trying to actualize itself over time. … It is not about mastering life, controlling it or exerting our will over it, no matter how well intentioned our will may be. … It means listening to life from the place in us that is connected to the wholeness around us. The place in us that is also whole." —Rachel Naomi Remen, My Grandfather's Blessings I assume this is somewhat in line with your thinking? Maybe 'blessing' a space, or an organization, is a way to open it further? And it opens yourself. Just a thought. Thanks again, /Jan Höglund, Sweden ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Harrison, yes. On the other hand a client almost demanded that I increase my fee by 30%. My comment was we had a contract and I intended to keep to the agreed cost. The underlying issue was that my event had been so successful that it made other similar events look very expensive. Yet all that happened was that the process gave voice to all present. Rob > On 13 Aug 2018, at 12:41 am, Harrison Owen via OSList > wrote: > > Rob – you have identified one of the most curious aspects of dealing with > clients and/or potential clients regarding Open Space. It’s too simple. > Couldn’t possibly happen, and doesn’t cost enough. I had one (major) > corporate client who told me to double my fee otherwise, he said, he couldn’t > possibly get the contract through the front office. I did what he asked and > always felt rather guilty about it all. But he was very happy, and of course > the Open Space “worked” as usual. For obvious reasons all names are withheld > to protect the innocent and gullible J > > ho > > From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of R > Chaffe via OSList > Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 10:02 PM > To: World wide Open Space Technology email list > Cc: R Chaffe > Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in > organizations and networks after the initial intervention > > Harrison, the process is so comfortable ie sitting in circles, speaking when > there is something to say, listening to others, keeping our minds open to > insights and differences etc. Yes we do it all the time! Therein lies an > issue for those looking for the “silver” bullet from “outside” as the promise > we can make is for an opportunity to explore issues and opportunities > associated with a particular question we have little control on what might > come and we have faith in the community of concern will have the best ways of > dealing with their concern. Sometimes it is a “road to Damascus experience > and most of the time it is an insight that needs to be explored. This > raises another issue for those who think the one meeting will be all that is > required and blindly race into the future thinking that change is something > that others do. Opening the space is more a process than an event and seeing > / believing in this is one of the main stays of Open Space along with the > faith that within the community of concern we have the power to implement > insights and directions gained from empowering the community to “live”. > > Regards > Rob > > On 12 Aug 2018, at 5:09 am, Jan Hoglund via OSList > wrote: > > Thanks for your reflections Harrison! > > Rachel Naomi Remen also speaks about 'who and what' we already are: > > "The power to repair the world is already in you." > "In befriending life, we do not make things happen according to our own > design. We uncover something that is already happening in us and around us > and create conditions that enable it. Everything is moving toward its place > of wholeness. Befriending life requires that we listen for that potential > which is trying to actualize itself over time. … It is not about mastering > life, controlling it or exerting our will over it, no matter how well > intentioned our will may be. … It means listening to life from the place in > us that is connected to the wholeness around us. The place in us that is also > whole." > —Rachel Naomi Remen, My Grandfather's Blessings > > I assume this is somewhat in line with your thinking? Maybe 'blessing' a > space, or an organization, is a way to open it further? And it opens > yourself. Just a thought. > > Thanks again, > /Jan Höglund, Sweden > > > > > > ___ > OSList mailing list > To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org > To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org > Past archives can be viewed here: > http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org > ___ > OSList mailing list > To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org > To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org > Past archives can be viewed here: > http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-le...@lists.openspacetech.org To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org Past archives can be viewed here: http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Hi Harrison and Rob, I similarly put in a quote for making a multimedia video/presentation for an environmental engineering company. The project manager contacted me and said I was far and away the best qualified person for the job but my quote was far and away the lowest – would I consider doubling it to avoid embarrassing the others... What can you say? David Smith Dr David Smith BSc(Hons) PhD FRSA Trading as imaginACTION 50 Sweyn Street Balwyn North Victoria 3104 AUSTRALIA t +613 9857 8688 m 0411 444 048 da...@imaginaction.net.au www.imaginaction.net.au <http://www.imaginaction.net.au/> iA imaginACTION Winner 2016 Victorian Community History Award for Historical Interpretation Duldig Studio Documentaries DVD Overall Winner, Australian Achiever Awards Victorian TV, Film, Audio and Video From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of R Chaffe via OSList Sent: 13 August, 2018 9:04 AM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: R Chaffe Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Harrison, yes. On the other hand a client almost demanded that I increase my fee by 30%. My comment was we had a contract and I intended to keep to the agreed cost. The underlying issue was that my event had been so successful that it made other similar events look very expensive. Yet all that happened was that the process gave voice to all present. Rob On 13 Aug 2018, at 12:41 am, Harrison Owen via OSList wrote: Rob – you have identified one of the most curious aspects of dealing with clients and/or potential clients regarding Open Space. It’s too simple. Couldn’t possibly happen, and doesn’t cost enough. I had one (major) corporate client who told me to double my fee otherwise, he said, he couldn’t possibly get the contract through the front office. I did what he asked and always felt rather guilty about it all. But he was very happy, and of course the Open Space “worked” as usual. For obvious reasons all names are withheld to protect the innocent and gullible J ho From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of R Chaffe via OSList Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 10:02 PM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: R Chaffe Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Harrison, the process is so comfortable ie sitting in circles, speaking when there is something to say, listening to others, keeping our minds open to insights and differences etc. Yes we do it all the time! Therein lies an issue for those looking for the “silver” bullet from “outside” as the promise we can make is for an opportunity to explore issues and opportunities associated with a particular question we have little control on what might come and we have faith in the community of concern will have the best ways of dealing with their concern. Sometimes it is a “road to Damascus experience and most of the time it is an insight that needs to be explored. This raises another issue for those who think the one meeting will be all that is required and blindly race into the future thinking that change is something that others do. Opening the space is more a process than an event and seeing / believing in this is one of the main stays of Open Space along with the faith that within the community of concern we have the power to implement insights and directions gained from empowering the community to “live”. Regards Rob On 12 Aug 2018, at 5:09 am, Jan Hoglund via OSList wrote: Thanks for your reflections Harrison! Rachel Naomi Remen also speaks about 'who and what' we already are: "The power to repair the world is already in you." "In befriending life, we do not make things happen according to our own design. We uncover something that is already happening in us and around us and create conditions that enable it. Everything is moving toward its place of wholeness. Befriending life requires that we listen for that potential which is trying to actualize itself over time. … It is not about mastering life, controlling it or exerting our will over it, no matter how well intentioned our will may be. … It means listening to life from the place in us that is connected to the wholeness around us. The place in us that is also whole." —Rachel Naomi Remen, My Grandfather's Blessings I assume this is somewhat in line with your thinking? Maybe 'blessing' a space, or an organization, is a way to open it further? And it opens yourself. Just a thought. Thanks again, /Jan Höglund, Sweden ___ OSList mailing list To post send emails to OSList@lists.openspacetech.org To unsubscribe send an email to oslist-l
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Hi. I’ve recently started my own facilitation business, coming from many years in a corporate environment. Having a reference for going rates would be helpful, to ensure I’m charging clients appropriately. I’ve scoured OpenSpaceWorld.org (amazingly helpful site!!) but can’t find anything on rates. Is there a resource you could point me to (on that site or elsewhere) that provides going rates for Open Space Facilitation in various regions of the world/countries? Thanks. Robin D. H. Muretisch, CPF, MBA, CPA ro...@facinsights.com<mailto:ro...@facinsights.com> | 770.371.5874 | [cid:image005.jpg@01D40887.3C7F2640] <https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-muretisch/> [facinsightslogo - FULL] From: OSList On Behalf Of David Smith via OSList Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2018 11:19 PM To: 'World wide Open Space Technology email list' Cc: imagi...@bigpond.net.au Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Hi Harrison and Rob, I similarly put in a quote for making a multimedia video/presentation for an environmental engineering company. The project manager contacted me and said I was far and away the best qualified person for the job but my quote was far and away the lowest – would I consider doubling it to avoid embarrassing the others... What can you say? David Smith Dr David Smith BSc(Hons) PhD FRSA Trading as imaginACTION 50 Sweyn Street Balwyn North Victoria 3104 AUSTRALIA t +613 9857 8688 m 0411 444 048 da...@imaginaction.net.au<mailto:da...@imaginaction.net.au> www.imaginaction.net.au<http://www.imaginaction.net.au/> iA imaginACTION Winner 2016 Victorian Community History Award for Historical Interpretation Duldig Studio Documentaries DVD Overall Winner, Australian Achiever Awards Victorian TV, Film, Audio and Video From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of R Chaffe via OSList Sent: 13 August, 2018 9:04 AM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: R Chaffe Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Harrison, yes. On the other hand a client almost demanded that I increase my fee by 30%. My comment was we had a contract and I intended to keep to the agreed cost. The underlying issue was that my event had been so successful that it made other similar events look very expensive. Yet all that happened was that the process gave voice to all present. Rob On 13 Aug 2018, at 12:41 am, Harrison Owen via OSList mailto:oslist@lists.openspacetech.org>> wrote: Rob – you have identified one of the most curious aspects of dealing with clients and/or potential clients regarding Open Space. It’s too simple. Couldn’t possibly happen, and doesn’t cost enough. I had one (major) corporate client who told me to double my fee otherwise, he said, he couldn’t possibly get the contract through the front office. I did what he asked and always felt rather guilty about it all. But he was very happy, and of course the Open Space “worked” as usual. For obvious reasons all names are withheld to protect the innocent and gullible ☺ ho From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of R Chaffe via OSList Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 10:02 PM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: R Chaffe Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Harrison, the process is so comfortable ie sitting in circles, speaking when there is something to say, listening to others, keeping our minds open to insights and differences etc. Yes we do it all the time! Therein lies an issue for those looking for the “silver” bullet from “outside” as the promise we can make is for an opportunity to explore issues and opportunities associated with a particular question we have little control on what might come and we have faith in the community of concern will have the best ways of dealing with their concern. Sometimes it is a “road to Damascus experience and most of the time it is an insight that needs to be explored. This raises another issue for those who think the one meeting will be all that is required and blindly race into the future thinking that change is something that others do. Opening the space is more a process than an event and seeing / believing in this is one of the main stays of Open Space along with the faith that within the community of concern we have the power to implement insights and directions gained from empowering the community to “live”. Regards Rob On 12 Aug 2018, at 5:09 am, Jan Hoglund via OSList mailto:oslist@lists.openspacetech.org>> wrote: Thanks for your reflections Harrison! Rachel Naomi Remen also speaks about 'who and what' we already are: "The power
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
Lots of luck! I can only talk about my rates which run from $0 to embarrassing. Or doubling embarrassing if I am forced to look like a “real consultant.” Short take… There is no such thing as a “standard rate” anywhere on the globe that I am aware of. So what do you do? My approach was always to ask two questions. 1) What did the client hope to achieve? And 2) How much would that be worth, if it happened? Depending on the answers and the client, we eventually came up with some appropriate rate. Which, as I said, ran from $0 to $Embarrassing (to me). Good Luck! ho From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Robin Muretisch, Facilitative Insights, LLC via OSList Sent: Monday, August 13, 2018 12:15 PM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: Robin Muretisch, Facilitative Insights, LLC Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Hi. I’ve recently started my own facilitation business, coming from many years in a corporate environment. Having a reference for going rates would be helpful, to ensure I’m charging clients appropriately. I’ve scoured OpenSpaceWorld.org (amazingly helpful site!!) but can’t find anything on rates. Is there a resource you could point me to (on that site or elsewhere) that provides going rates for Open Space Facilitation in various regions of the world/countries? Thanks. Robin D. H. Muretisch, CPF, MBA, CPA <mailto:ro...@facinsights.com> ro...@facinsights.com | 770.371.5874 | <https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-muretisch/> cid:image005.jpg@01D40887.3C7F2640 facinsightslogo - FULL From: OSList On Behalf Of David Smith via OSList Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2018 11:19 PM To: 'World wide Open Space Technology email list' Cc: imagi...@bigpond.net.au Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Hi Harrison and Rob, I similarly put in a quote for making a multimedia video/presentation for an environmental engineering company. The project manager contacted me and said I was far and away the best qualified person for the job but my quote was far and away the lowest – would I consider doubling it to avoid embarrassing the others... What can you say? David Smith Dr David Smith BSc(Hons) PhD FRSA Trading as imaginACTION 50 Sweyn Street Balwyn North Victoria 3104 AUSTRALIA t +613 9857 8688 m 0411 444 048 da...@imaginaction.net.au www.imaginaction.net.au <http://www.imaginaction.net.au/> iA imaginACTION Winner 2016 Victorian Community History Award for Historical Interpretation Duldig Studio Documentaries DVD Overall Winner, Australian Achiever Awards Victorian TV, Film, Audio and Video From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of R Chaffe via OSList Sent: 13 August, 2018 9:04 AM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: R Chaffe Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Harrison, yes. On the other hand a client almost demanded that I increase my fee by 30%. My comment was we had a contract and I intended to keep to the agreed cost. The underlying issue was that my event had been so successful that it made other similar events look very expensive. Yet all that happened was that the process gave voice to all present. Rob On 13 Aug 2018, at 12:41 am, Harrison Owen via OSList wrote: Rob – you have identified one of the most curious aspects of dealing with clients and/or potential clients regarding Open Space. It’s too simple. Couldn’t possibly happen, and doesn’t cost enough. I had one (major) corporate client who told me to double my fee otherwise, he said, he couldn’t possibly get the contract through the front office. I did what he asked and always felt rather guilty about it all. But he was very happy, and of course the Open Space “worked” as usual. For obvious reasons all names are withheld to protect the innocent and gullible J ho From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of R Chaffe via OSList Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 10:02 PM To: World wide Open Space Technology email list Cc: R Chaffe Subject: Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention Harrison, the process is so comfortable ie sitting in circles, speaking when there is something to say, listening to others, keeping our minds open to insights and differences etc. Yes we do it all the time! Therein lies an issue for those looking for the “silver” bullet from “outside” as the promise we can make is for an opportunity to explore issues and opportunities associated with a particular questi
Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention
rk)? AND how much do you like to get paid for doing this kind of work? And then, for what sorts of clients, issues, purposes, places, etc. And then, what do we do when the two numbers are different? Or when your value and mine are perceived as equal by a client out facilitator shopping, but each us wants to get paid something different? Michael -- Michael Herman Michael Herman Associates 312-280-7838 (mobile) http://MichaelHerman.com http://OpenSpaceWorld.org On Mon, Aug 13, 2018 at 10:14 AM, Robin Muretisch, Facilitative Insights, LLC via OSList wrote: > Hi. I’ve recently started my own facilitation business, coming from many > years in a corporate environment. Having a reference for going rates would > be helpful, to ensure I’m charging clients appropriately. I’ve scoured > OpenSpaceWorld.org (amazingly helpful site!!) but can’t find anything on > rates. Is there a resource you could point me to (on that site or > elsewhere) that provides going rates for Open Space Facilitation in various > regions of the world/countries? Thanks. > > > > Robin D. H. Muretisch, CPF, MBA, CPA > > ro...@facinsights.com | 770.371.5874 | [image: > cid:image005.jpg@01D40887.3C7F2640] > <https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-muretisch/> > > [image: facinsightslogo - FULL] > > > > > > *From:* OSList *On Behalf Of *David > Smith via OSList > *Sent:* Sunday, August 12, 2018 11:19 PM > *To:* 'World wide Open Space Technology email list' < > oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> > *Cc:* imagi...@bigpond.net.au > > *Subject:* Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space > further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention > > > > Hi Harrison and Rob, > > I similarly put in a quote for making a multimedia video/presentation for > an environmental engineering company. The project manager contacted me and > said I was far and away the best qualified person for the job but my quote > was far and away the lowest – would I consider doubling it to avoid > embarrassing the others... > > What can you say? > > David Smith > > > > > > Dr David Smith > BSc(Hons) PhD FRSA > Trading as imaginACTION > > 50 Sweyn Street > Balwyn North > Victoria 3104 > AUSTRALIA > > t +613 9857 8688 > m 0411 444 048 > da...@imaginaction.net.au > www.imaginaction.net.au > > > iA > > imaginACTION > Winner 2016 Victorian Community History Award > > for Historical Interpretation > > *Duldig Studio Documentaries DVD* > > > > Overall Winner, > Australian Achiever Awards > * Victorian TV, Film, Audio and Video* > > > > > > > > *From:* OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org > ] *On Behalf Of *R Chaffe via > OSList > *Sent:* 13 August, 2018 9:04 AM > *To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list > *Cc:* R Chaffe > *Subject:* Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space > further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention > > > > Harrison, yes. > > > > On the other hand a client almost demanded that I increase my fee by 30%. > My comment was we had a contract and I intended to keep to the agreed > cost. The underlying issue was that my event had been so successful that > it made other similar events look very expensive. Yet all that happened > was that the process gave voice to all present. > > > > Rob > > > On 13 Aug 2018, at 12:41 am, Harrison Owen via OSList < > oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote: > > Rob – you have identified one of the most curious aspects of dealing with > clients and/or potential clients regarding Open Space. It’s too simple. > Couldn’t possibly happen, and doesn’t cost enough. I had one (major) > corporate client who told me to double my fee otherwise, he said, he > couldn’t possibly get the contract through the front office. I did what he > asked and always felt rather guilty about it all. But he was very happy, > and of course the Open Space “worked” as usual. For obvious reasons all > names are withheld to protect the innocent and gullible J > > > > ho > > > > *From:* OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org > ] *On Behalf Of *R Chaffe via > OSList > *Sent:* Saturday, August 11, 2018 10:02 PM > *To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list > *Cc:* R Chaffe > *Subject:* Re: [OSList] Is there experience in developing Open Space > further in organizations and networks after the initial intervention > > > > Harrison, the process is so comfortable ie sitting in circles, speaking > when there is something to say, listening to others, keeping our minds open > to insights and differences
