Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Michael M Pannwitz via OSList]

 number and length of the
time-slots when creating the marketplace has never felt comfortable
whether I was facilitating or watching someone else. It seemed the
facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking and could
actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would
happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.

I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience
might be considered an invitation for others to share their
experience of doing this. I haven’t seen anyone invite people to
create more spaces or time slots on the agenda before but have seen
them emerge without being on the marketplace.

I did consider whether to have another space when creating the
initial marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think
of facilitating making an adjustment.

I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the
initial marketplace has been created.

I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a
facilitator, they might invite a modification to the marketplace.

Stuart




On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen<hho...@verizon.net> 
<mailto:hho...@verizon.net>
wrote:

Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for
time/spaces just invite everybody to create more time/space. No
hassle. No haggle... Just announce your issues, take a blank post-it
(you will need some blanks) describe a time, choose a space (the
Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the wall. No sweat and
you will have plenty of time for a break.

ho

Winter Address 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, MD 20854301-365-2093 


Summer Address 189 Beaucaire Ave. Camden, ME 04843207-763-3261 


Websiteswww.openspaceworld.com <http://www.openspaceworld.com>  www.ho-image.com 
<http://www.ho-image.com>  OSLIST To subscribe,
unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST Go
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message- From: OSList
[mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Stuart
Turner via OSList Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM To:
oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
<mailto:oslist@lists.openspacetech.org>  Subject: [OSList] Whatever 
happens...

Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a
training course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law,
etc. and described the marketplace. The marketplace had four time
slots across the top and four locations down the side. After they had
filled the marketplace with about 25 sessions, they asked me what
they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They started swapping the
headings so times now went down the side and locations went across
the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it
obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom
break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to
discover only the time slots and locations remained. Each location
had all its sessions stuck on the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all
sessions at the same time, conversations moved to become about a more
defined topic (at least of few of which were not one of the topics on
the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many
sounding quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme
meant for their organisation. I noticed many of the people were
directing their summary to the most senior person in the room. Some
even referred to that person specifically “I don’t know if I should
say this while the boss is here”, and similar comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining,
during the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing
that could have happened.

Stuart ___ OSList mailing
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Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Jeff Aitken via OSList]

 pretty complex... once you are into it you will notice, 
> or at least I have, that participants thrive in that kind of environment: 
> Space and time are theirs, and it seems to provide just the right conditions 
> for the force of selforganisation to have a balle: No or very little control.
>
> In your example your move to just let the participants figure it out is the 
> best thing you could have done and as far as I know its also the only thing 
> you could have... you would have never figured it out yourself for them. I 
> would not have predicted that they would do what they did in your case BUT 
> when they ran into some trouble (at least to the observer) they were already 
> well advanced into the field of selforganisation and solved it in some 
> unpredictable way (be prepared to be surprised) which was their structure 
> that nobody could have thunk up for them.
>
> Greetings from Berlin and keep having productive fun!
> mmp
>
> PS: Even if you dont read German you might profit from looking at "Meine open 
> space Praxis" which is also available as ebook with loads of bright colour 
> pictures showing a myriad of bulleting boards, market place and such esoteric 
> stuff. Go here
> hardcopy
>
> https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Meine-open-space-Praxis
>
>
> ebook (pictures really come well as compared to the printed version
>
> https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Meine-open-space-Praxis-E-Book
>
>
>
>
> On 02.02.2016 17:20, Stuart Turner via OSList wrote:
>
> Dear Harrison
>
> Thanks for the suggestion. It being the facilitator’s decision to
> decide the number of spaces and the number and length of the
> time-slots when creating the marketplace has never felt comfortable
> whether I was facilitating or watching someone else. It seemed the
> facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking and could
> actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would
> happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.
>
> I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience
> might be considered an invitation for others to share their
> experience of doing this. I haven’t seen anyone invite people to
> create more spaces or time slots on the agenda before but have seen
> them emerge without being on the marketplace.
>
> I did consider whether to have another space when creating the
> initial marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think
> of facilitating making an adjustment.
>
> I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the
> initial marketplace has been created.
>
> I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a
> facilitator, they might invite a modification to the marketplace.
>
> Stuart
>
>
>
>
> On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen <hho...@verizon.net> 
> <hho...@verizon.net>
> wrote:
>
> Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for
> time/spaces just invite everybody to create more time/space. No
> hassle. No haggle... Just announce your issues, take a blank post-it
> (you will need some blanks) describe a time, choose a space (the
> Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the wall. No sweat and
> you will have plenty of time for a break.
>
> ho
>
> Winter Address 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, MD 20854 301-365-2093
>
> Summer Address 189 Beaucaire Ave. Camden, ME 04843 207-763-3261
>
> Websites www.openspaceworld.com www.ho-image.com OSLIST To subscribe,
> unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST Go
> to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
>
> -Original Message- From: OSList
> [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org 
> <oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org>] On Behalf Of Stuart
> Turner via OSList Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM 
> To:oslist@lists.openspacetech.org Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...
>
> Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a
> training course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law,
> etc. and described the marketplace. The marketplace had four time
> slots across the top and four locations down the side. After they had
> filled the marketplace with about 25 sessions, they asked me what
> they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They started swapping the
> headings so times now went down the side and locations went across
> the top.
>
> Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it
> obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom
> break.
>
> On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
> sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketpla

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Tony Budak via OSList]

r) they were already well 
advanced into the field of selforganisation and solved it in some unpredictable 
way (be prepared to be surprised) which was their structure that nobody could 
have thunk up for them.

Greetings from Berlin and keep having productive fun!
mmp

PS: Even if you dont read German you might profit from looking at "Meine open space 
Praxis" which is also available as ebook with loads of bright colour pictures 
showing a myriad of bulleting boards, market place and such esoteric stuff. Go here
hardcopy

https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Meine-open-space-Praxis

ebook (pictures really come well as compared to the printed version

https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Meine-open-space-Praxis-E-Book



On 02.02.2016 17:20, Stuart Turner via OSList wrote:

Dear Harrison

Thanks for the suggestion. It being the facilitator’s decision to
decide the number of spaces and the number and length of the
time-slots when creating the marketplace has never felt comfortable
whether I was facilitating or watching someone else. It seemed the
facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking and could
actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would
happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.

I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience
might be considered an invitation for others to share their
experience of doing this. I haven’t seen anyone invite people to
create more spaces or time slots on the agenda before but have seen
them emerge without being on the marketplace.

I did consider whether to have another space when creating the
initial marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think
of facilitating making an adjustment.

I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the
initial marketplace has been created.

I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a
facilitator, they might invite a modification to the marketplace.

Stuart




On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen <hho...@verizon.net>
wrote:

Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for
time/spaces just invite everybody to create more time/space. No
hassle. No haggle... Just announce your issues, take a blank post-it
(you will need some blanks) describe a time, choose a space (the
Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the wall. No sweat and
you will have plenty of time for a break.

ho

Winter Address 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, MD 20854 301-365-2093

Summer Address 189 Beaucaire Ave. Camden, ME 04843 207-763-3261

Websites www.openspaceworld.com www.ho-image.com OSLIST To subscribe,
unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST Go
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message- From: OSList
[mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Stuart
Turner via OSList Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM To:
oslist@lists.openspacetech.org Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a
training course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law,
etc. and described the marketplace. The marketplace had four time
slots across the top and four locations down the side. After they had
filled the marketplace with about 25 sessions, they asked me what
they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They started swapping the
headings so times now went down the side and locations went across
the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it
obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom
break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to
discover only the time slots and locations remained. Each location
had all its sessions stuck on the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all
sessions at the same time, conversations moved to become about a more
defined topic (at least of few of which were not one of the topics on
the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many
sounding quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme
meant for their organisation. I noticed many of the people were
directing their summary to the most senior person in the room. Some
even referred to that person specifically “I don’t know if I should
say this while the boss is here”, and similar comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining,
during the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing
that could have happened.

Stuart ___ 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:

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Stuart Turner via OSList]

y little control.
> 
> In your example your move to just let the participants figure it out is the 
> best thing you could have done and as far as I know its also the only thing 
> you could have... you would have never figured it out yourself for them. I 
> would not have predicted that they would do what they did in your case BUT 
> when they ran into some trouble (at least to the observer) they were already 
> well advanced into the field of selforganisation and solved it in some 
> unpredictable way (be prepared to be surprised) which was their structure 
> that nobody could have thunk up for them.
> 
> Greetings from Berlin and keep having productive fun!
> mmp
> 
> PS: Even if you dont read German you might profit from looking at "Meine open 
> space Praxis" which is also available as ebook with loads of bright colour 
> pictures showing a myriad of bulleting boards, market place and such esoteric 
> stuff. Go here
> hardcopy
>> https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Meine-open-space-Praxis
> 
> ebook (pictures really come well as compared to the printed version
>> https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Meine-open-space-Praxis-E-Book
> 
> 
> 
> On 02.02.2016 17:20, Stuart Turner via OSList wrote:
>> Dear Harrison
>> 
>> Thanks for the suggestion. It being the facilitator’s decision to
>> decide the number of spaces and the number and length of the
>> time-slots when creating the marketplace has never felt comfortable
>> whether I was facilitating or watching someone else. It seemed the
>> facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking and could
>> actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would
>> happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.
>> 
>> I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience
>> might be considered an invitation for others to share their
>> experience of doing this. I haven’t seen anyone invite people to
>> create more spaces or time slots on the agenda before but have seen
>> them emerge without being on the marketplace.
>> 
>> I did consider whether to have another space when creating the
>> initial marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think
>> of facilitating making an adjustment.
>> 
>> I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the
>> initial marketplace has been created.
>> 
>> I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a
>> facilitator, they might invite a modification to the marketplace.
>> 
>> Stuart
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen <hho...@verizon.net>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for
>> time/spaces just invite everybody to create more time/space. No
>> hassle. No haggle... Just announce your issues, take a blank post-it
>> (you will need some blanks) describe a time, choose a space (the
>> Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the wall. No sweat and
>> you will have plenty of time for a break.
>> 
>> ho
>> 
>> Winter Address 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, MD 20854 301-365-2093
>> 
>> Summer Address 189 Beaucaire Ave. Camden, ME 04843 207-763-3261
>> 
>> Websites www.openspaceworld.com www.ho-image.com OSLIST To subscribe,
>> unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST Go
>> to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
>> 
>> -Original Message- From: OSList
>> [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Stuart
>> Turner via OSList Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM To:
>> oslist@lists.openspacetech.org Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...
>> 
>> Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a
>> training course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law,
>> etc. and described the marketplace. The marketplace had four time
>> slots across the top and four locations down the side. After they had
>> filled the marketplace with about 25 sessions, they asked me what
>> they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They started swapping the
>> headings so times now went down the side and locations went across
>> the top.
>> 
>> Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it
>> obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom
>> break.
>> 
>> On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
>> sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to
>> discover only the time slots and locations remained. Each 

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Brendan McKeague via OSList]

ld have done and as far as I know its also the only thing 
> you could have... you would have never figured it out yourself for them. I 
> would not have predicted that they would do what they did in your case BUT 
> when they ran into some trouble (at least to the observer) they were already 
> well advanced into the field of selforganisation and solved it in some 
> unpredictable way (be prepared to be surprised) which was their structure 
> that nobody could have thunk up for them.
> 
> Greetings from Berlin and keep having productive fun!
> mmp
> 
> PS: Even if you dont read German you might profit from looking at "Meine open 
> space Praxis" which is also available as ebook with loads of bright colour 
> pictures showing a myriad of bulleting boards, market place and such esoteric 
> stuff. Go here
> hardcopy
>> https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Meine-open-space-Praxis
> 
> ebook (pictures really come well as compared to the printed version
>> https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/de/Meine-open-space-Praxis-E-Book
> 
> 
> 
> On 02.02.2016 17:20, Stuart Turner via OSList wrote:
>> Dear Harrison
>> 
>> Thanks for the suggestion. It being the facilitator’s decision to
>> decide the number of spaces and the number and length of the
>> time-slots when creating the marketplace has never felt comfortable
>> whether I was facilitating or watching someone else. It seemed the
>> facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking and could
>> actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would
>> happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.
>> 
>> I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience
>> might be considered an invitation for others to share their
>> experience of doing this. I haven’t seen anyone invite people to
>> create more spaces or time slots on the agenda before but have seen
>> them emerge without being on the marketplace.
>> 
>> I did consider whether to have another space when creating the
>> initial marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think
>> of facilitating making an adjustment.
>> 
>> I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the
>> initial marketplace has been created.
>> 
>> I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a
>> facilitator, they might invite a modification to the marketplace.
>> 
>> Stuart
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen <hho...@verizon.net>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for
>> time/spaces just invite everybody to create more time/space. No
>> hassle. No haggle... Just announce your issues, take a blank post-it
>> (you will need some blanks) describe a time, choose a space (the
>> Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the wall. No sweat and
>> you will have plenty of time for a break.
>> 
>> ho
>> 
>> Winter Address 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, MD 20854 301-365-2093
>> 
>> Summer Address 189 Beaucaire Ave. Camden, ME 04843 207-763-3261
>> 
>> Websites www.openspaceworld.com www.ho-image.com OSLIST To subscribe,
>> unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST Go
>> to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
>> 
>> -Original Message- From: OSList
>> [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Stuart
>> Turner via OSList Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM To:
>> oslist@lists.openspacetech.org Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...
>> 
>> Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a
>> training course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law,
>> etc. and described the marketplace. The marketplace had four time
>> slots across the top and four locations down the side. After they had
>> filled the marketplace with about 25 sessions, they asked me what
>> they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They started swapping the
>> headings so times now went down the side and locations went across
>> the top.
>> 
>> Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it
>> obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom
>> break.
>> 
>> On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
>> sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to
>> discover only the time slots and locations remained. Each location
>> had all its sessions stuck on the wall.
>> 
>> Whatever happens, I thought.
>> 
>> After noticing there w

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Stuart Turner via OSList]

Dear Michael

Thanks for explaining. What you were saying is much clearer to me now.

Your second paragraph describes my own belief and approach quite well. I think 
it’s one of the reasons I like using OST and invitation in my work. People in 
many of the organizations I work with are often expecting ‘successful’ results, 
whatever their definition of successful is. I’ve found the reactions to the 
experiences of an open space event really help me decide which organizations I 
want to work with.

Stuart




On 3 Feb 2016, at 11:30 am, Michael Herman  wrote:

stuart, 

i was heading in the direction of saying that the only evaluation that i've 
ever found very useful after an oepn space meeting is a review of what got 
done, what will continue, and some reflection on what else might now be able to 
happen.  after we give everyone responsibility for their own experience, and 
then anyone starts in the direction of evaluation -- including the facilitator 
going along into "how did i do?"  -- or the sponsor has a form for everyone to 
fill out... it always seems to me a bit like saying "whenever it starts is the 
right time" and then looking at my watch.  this is why i thought it was great 
that you said, this happened... and i wondered... but whatever happened...

if we give them responsibility for the experience, then we can only ask them to 
evaluate their own performance in that experience.  asking about the design is 
useless.  assuming that we can cherry-pick the best parts and just change a few 
details -- next time -- and we'll get all the best, and then some more, seems 
pretty unrealistic.  on the other hand, asking about what's done, what's in 
process and what might need another round of conversation or study, in a 
taking-stock sort of way... that can be genuinely useful, for everyone.  

mh


 
--

Michael Herman
Michael Herman Associates
312-280-7838 (mobile)

http://MichaelHerman.com 
http://OpenSpaceWorld.org 



On Tue, Feb 2, 2016 at 9:40 AM, Stuart Turner > wrote:
Dear Michael

Thanks for your supportive comments.

I’m curious about your questions and whom you’re asking. The questions are so 
wide and powerful I can only think of more questions to ask :)

What do I do next? What can they do now? Who supports what? Are they rhetorical 
questions?

I’m wondering if there’s more context or perhaps assumptions that it would be 
useful to add. I will appreciate it if you can provide more guidance.

Stuart


On 2 Feb 2016, at 8:43 pm, Michael Herman > wrote:

Sounds like a success to me, like you did s fine job, Stuart. They fully owned 
the agenda, brought forth energy and enthusiasm, and in the end were daring to 
speak things, by their own admission, that they  they otherwise would not. You 
didn't panic when the unexpected happened, as they took the program on as their 
own. I see no reason in your story for second guessing at all. The only 
question I do wonder about now is "now what?"  What can happen next?  How to 
support that?  



On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, Stuart Turner via OSList 
> wrote:
Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training course 
for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and described the 
marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the top and four 
locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace with about 25 
sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They 
started swapping the headings so times now went down the side and locations 
went across the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it obvious 
you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the sessions 
pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to discover only the 
time slots and locations remained. Each location had all its sessions stuck on 
the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all sessions at 
the same time, conversations moved to become about a more defined topic (at 
least of few of which were not one of the topics on the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many sounding 
quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant for their 
organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their summary to the 
most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that person specifically 
“I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is here”, and similar 
comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining, during 

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Harrison Owen via OSList]

Stuart -- Maybe Michael Pannwitz will tell the tale of the 2108 person OS? As I 
recall, we (that would be Michael and me) estimated that there might be 150 
issues. Boy were we ever wrong! 

OK Michael You are On!  I would start, but frankly I can't remember what the 
real numbers were, and I know you never forget things like that :-)

ho

Winter Address
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-2093

Summer Address
189 Beaucaire Ave.
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261

Websites
 www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com
OSLIST To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of 
OSLIST Go 
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message-
From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of 
Stuart Turner via OSList
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 11:20 AM
To: Harrison Owen
Cc: World wide Open Space Technology email list
Subject: Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Dear Harrison

Thanks for the suggestion. It being the facilitator’s decision to decide the 
number of spaces and the number and length of the time-slots when creating the 
marketplace has never felt comfortable whether I was facilitating or watching 
someone else. It seemed the facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking 
and could actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would 
happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.

I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience might be 
considered an invitation for others to share their experience of doing this. I 
haven’t seen anyone invite people to create more spaces or time slots on the 
agenda before but have seen them emerge without being on the marketplace.

I did consider whether to have another space when creating the initial 
marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think of facilitating 
making an adjustment.

I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the initial 
marketplace has been created. 

I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a facilitator, they 
might invite a modification to the marketplace.

Stuart




On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen <hho...@verizon.net> wrote:

Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for time/spaces 
just invite everybody to create more time/space. No hassle. No haggle... Just 
announce your issues, take a blank post-it (you will need some blanks) describe 
a time, choose a space (the Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the 
wall. No sweat and you will have plenty of time for a break.

ho

Winter Address
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-2093

Summer Address
189 Beaucaire Ave.
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261

Websites
www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com
OSLIST To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of 
OSLIST Go 
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message-
From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of 
Stuart Turner via OSList
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM
To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training course 
for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and described the 
marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the top and four 
locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace with about 25 
sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They 
started swapping the headings so times now went down the side and locations 
went across the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it obvious 
you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the sessions 
pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to discover only the 
time slots and locations remained. Each location had all its sessions stuck on 
the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all sessions at 
the same time, conversations moved to become about a more defined topic (at 
least of few of which were not one of the topics on the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many sounding 
quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant for their 
organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their summary to the 
most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that person specifically 
“I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is here”, and similar 
comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining, during 
the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing that could have 
happen

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Harrison Owen via OSList]

OK -- Who has the fastest respond time in Berlin? Way to go Michael!!

ho

Winter Address
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-2093

Summer Address
189 Beaucaire Ave.
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261

Websites
 www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com
OSLIST To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of 
OSLIST Go 
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message-
From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of 
Harrison Owen via OSList
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 1:26 PM
To: 'Stuart Turner'; 'World wide Open Space Technology email list'
Subject: Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Stuart -- Maybe Michael Pannwitz will tell the tale of the 2108 person OS? As I 
recall, we (that would be Michael and me) estimated that there might be 150 
issues. Boy were we ever wrong! 

OK Michael You are On!  I would start, but frankly I can't remember what the 
real numbers were, and I know you never forget things like that :-)

ho

Winter Address
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-2093

Summer Address
189 Beaucaire Ave.
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261

Websites
 www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com
OSLIST To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of 
OSLIST Go 
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message-
From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of 
Stuart Turner via OSList
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 11:20 AM
To: Harrison Owen
Cc: World wide Open Space Technology email list
Subject: Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Dear Harrison

Thanks for the suggestion. It being the facilitator’s decision to decide the 
number of spaces and the number and length of the time-slots when creating the 
marketplace has never felt comfortable whether I was facilitating or watching 
someone else. It seemed the facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking 
and could actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would 
happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.

I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience might be 
considered an invitation for others to share their experience of doing this. I 
haven’t seen anyone invite people to create more spaces or time slots on the 
agenda before but have seen them emerge without being on the marketplace.

I did consider whether to have another space when creating the initial 
marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think of facilitating 
making an adjustment.

I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the initial 
marketplace has been created. 

I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a facilitator, they 
might invite a modification to the marketplace.

Stuart




On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen <hho...@verizon.net> wrote:

Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for time/spaces 
just invite everybody to create more time/space. No hassle. No haggle... Just 
announce your issues, take a blank post-it (you will need some blanks) describe 
a time, choose a space (the Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the 
wall. No sweat and you will have plenty of time for a break.

ho

Winter Address
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-2093

Summer Address
189 Beaucaire Ave.
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261

Websites
www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com
OSLIST To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of 
OSLIST Go 
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message-
From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of 
Stuart Turner via OSList
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM
To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training course 
for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and described the 
marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the top and four 
locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace with about 25 
sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They 
started swapping the headings so times now went down the side and locations 
went across the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it obvious 
you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the sessions 
pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to discover only the 
time slots and locations remained. Each location had all its sessions stuck on 
the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all sessions at 
the same time, conversations moved to become about a more defined topic (at 
least of few of which w

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Harrison Owen via OSList]

Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for time/spaces 
just invite everybody to create more time/space. No hassle. No haggle... Just 
announce your issues, take a blank post-it (you will need some blanks) describe 
a time, choose a space (the Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the 
wall. No sweat and you will have plenty of time for a break.

ho

Winter Address
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-2093

Summer Address
189 Beaucaire Ave.
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261

Websites
 www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com
OSLIST To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of 
OSLIST Go 
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message-
From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of 
Stuart Turner via OSList
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM
To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training course 
for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and described the 
marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the top and four 
locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace with about 25 
sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They 
started swapping the headings so times now went down the side and locations 
went across the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it obvious 
you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the sessions 
pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to discover only the 
time slots and locations remained. Each location had all its sessions stuck on 
the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all sessions at 
the same time, conversations moved to become about a more defined topic (at 
least of few of which were not one of the topics on the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many sounding 
quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant for their 
organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their summary to the 
most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that person specifically 
“I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is here”, and similar 
comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining, during 
the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing that could have 
happened.

Stuart
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[OSList] Whatever happens...

[Stuart Turner via OSList]

Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training course 
for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and described the 
marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the top and four 
locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace with about 25 
sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They 
started swapping the headings so times now went down the side and locations 
went across the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it obvious 
you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the sessions 
pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to discover only the 
time slots and locations remained. Each location had all its sessions stuck on 
the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all sessions at 
the same time, conversations moved to become about a more defined topic (at 
least of few of which were not one of the topics on the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many sounding 
quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant for their 
organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their summary to the 
most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that person specifically 
“I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is here”, and similar 
comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining, during 
the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing that could have 
happened.

Stuart
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Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Stuart Turner via OSList]

Dear Michael

Thanks for your supportive comments.

I’m curious about your questions and whom you’re asking. The questions are so 
wide and powerful I can only think of more questions to ask :)

What do I do next? What can they do now? Who supports what? Are they rhetorical 
questions?

I’m wondering if there’s more context or perhaps assumptions that it would be 
useful to add. I will appreciate it if you can provide more guidance.

Stuart


On 2 Feb 2016, at 8:43 pm, Michael Herman  wrote:

Sounds like a success to me, like you did s fine job, Stuart. They fully owned 
the agenda, brought forth energy and enthusiasm, and in the end were daring to 
speak things, by their own admission, that they  they otherwise would not. You 
didn't panic when the unexpected happened, as they took the program on as their 
own. I see no reason in your story for second guessing at all. The only 
question I do wonder about now is "now what?"  What can happen next?  How to 
support that?  



On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, Stuart Turner via OSList 
> wrote:
Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training course 
for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and described the 
marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the top and four 
locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace with about 25 
sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They 
started swapping the headings so times now went down the side and locations 
went across the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it obvious 
you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the sessions 
pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to discover only the 
time slots and locations remained. Each location had all its sessions stuck on 
the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all sessions at 
the same time, conversations moved to become about a more defined topic (at 
least of few of which were not one of the topics on the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many sounding 
quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant for their 
organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their summary to the 
most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that person specifically 
“I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is here”, and similar 
comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining, during 
the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing that could have 
happened.

Stuart
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-- 
 
--

Michael Herman
Michael Herman Associates
312-280-7838 (mobile)

http://MichaelHerman.com 
http://OpenSpaceWorld.org 




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Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[helene via OSList]

does the difficulty here not seem to be obvious? isn't it typical for an 
OS taking place INSIDE of (what should be avoided) any team, system, 
organism...,
instead of being "crossing", i mean, open to people from various places? 
sorry if i'm off topic!


Le 02/02/2016 13:43, Michael Herman via OSList a écrit :
Sounds like a success to me, like you did s fine job, Stuart. They 
fully owned the agenda, brought forth energy and enthusiasm, and in 
the end were daring to speak things, by their own admission, that they 
 they otherwise would not. You didn't panic when the unexpected 
happened, as they took the program on as their own. I see no reason in 
your story for second guessing at all. The only question I do wonder 
about now is "now what?"  What can happen next?  How to support that?




On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, Stuart Turner via OSList 
> wrote:


Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a
training course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the
law, etc. and described the marketplace. The marketplace had four
time slots across the top and four locations down the side. After
they had filled the marketplace with about 25 sessions, they asked
me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They started
swapping the headings so times now went down the side and
locations went across the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make
it obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom
break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace
to discover only the time slots and locations remained. Each
location had all its sessions stuck on the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss
all sessions at the same time, conversations moved to become about
a more defined topic (at least of few of which were not one of the
topics on the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with
many sounding quite enthusiastic about their experience and what
the theme meant for their organisation. I noticed many of the
people were directing their summary to the most senior person in
the room. Some even referred to that person specifically “I don’t
know if I should say this while the boss is here”, and similar
comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or
explaining, during the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the
only thing that could have happened.

Stuart
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--

--

Michael Herman
Michael Herman Associates
312-280-7838 (mobile)

http://MichaelHerman.com
http://OpenSpaceWorld.org





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Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Michael M Pannwitz via OSList]

 someone else. It seemed the
facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking and could
actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would
happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.

I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience
might be considered an invitation for others to share their
experience of doing this. I haven’t seen anyone invite people to
create more spaces or time slots on the agenda before but have seen
them emerge without being on the marketplace.

I did consider whether to have another space when creating the
initial marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think
of facilitating making an adjustment.

I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the
initial marketplace has been created.

I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a
facilitator, they might invite a modification to the marketplace.

Stuart




On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen <hho...@verizon.net>
wrote:

Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for
time/spaces just invite everybody to create more time/space. No
hassle. No haggle... Just announce your issues, take a blank post-it
(you will need some blanks) describe a time, choose a space (the
Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the wall. No sweat and
you will have plenty of time for a break.

ho

Winter Address 7808 River Falls Drive Potomac, MD 20854 301-365-2093

Summer Address 189 Beaucaire Ave. Camden, ME 04843 207-763-3261

Websites www.openspaceworld.com www.ho-image.com OSLIST To subscribe,
unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of OSLIST Go
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

 -Original Message- From: OSList
[mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Stuart
Turner via OSList Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM To:
oslist@lists.openspacetech.org Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a
training course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law,
etc. and described the marketplace. The marketplace had four time
slots across the top and four locations down the side. After they had
filled the marketplace with about 25 sessions, they asked me what
they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They started swapping the
headings so times now went down the side and locations went across
the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it
obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom
break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to
discover only the time slots and locations remained. Each location
had all its sessions stuck on the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all
sessions at the same time, conversations moved to become about a more
defined topic (at least of few of which were not one of the topics on
the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many
sounding quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme
meant for their organisation. I noticed many of the people were
directing their summary to the most senior person in the room. Some
even referred to that person specifically “I don’t know if I should
say this while the boss is here”, and similar comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining,
during the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing
that could have happened.

Stuart ___ 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



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--
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin, Germany
++49 - 30-772 8000



Check out the Open Space World Map presently showing 402 resident Open
Space Workers in 67 countries working in a total of 143 countries
worldwide: www.openspaceworldmap.org
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To subscribe 

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Stuart Turner via OSList]

Dear Harrison

Thanks for the suggestion. It being the facilitator’s decision to decide the 
number of spaces and the number and length of the time-slots when creating the 
marketplace has never felt comfortable whether I was facilitating or watching 
someone else. It seemed the facilitator needed to do more than minimal thinking 
and could actually be considered planning/predicting, when who knows what would 
happen, how many sessions would be identified, etc.

I know people facilitate this in different ways, and my experience might be 
considered an invitation for others to share their experience of doing this. I 
haven’t seen anyone invite people to create more spaces or time slots on the 
agenda before but have seen them emerge without being on the marketplace.

I did consider whether to have another space when creating the initial 
marketplace but once I opened it to the group I didn’t think of facilitating 
making an adjustment.

I also haven’t seen many additional topics be created after the initial 
marketplace has been created. 

I’m wondering if anyone will share when else, acting as a facilitator, they 
might invite a modification to the marketplace.

Stuart




On 2 Feb 2016, at 10:51 pm, Harrison Owen <hho...@verizon.net> wrote:

Small suggestion Stuart... next time you find yourself cramped for time/spaces 
just invite everybody to create more time/space. No hassle. No haggle... Just 
announce your issues, take a blank post-it (you will need some blanks) describe 
a time, choose a space (the Piano, patio, bar for examples) and post it on the 
wall. No sweat and you will have plenty of time for a break.

ho

Winter Address
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-2093

Summer Address
189 Beaucaire Ave.
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261

Websites
www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com
OSLIST To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of 
OSLIST Go 
to:http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org

-Original Message-
From: OSList [mailto:oslist-boun...@lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of 
Stuart Turner via OSList
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:33 AM
To: oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
Subject: [OSList] Whatever happens...

Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training course 
for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and described the 
marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the top and four 
locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace with about 25 
sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They 
started swapping the headings so times now went down the side and locations 
went across the top.

Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it obvious 
you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.

On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the sessions 
pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to discover only the 
time slots and locations remained. Each location had all its sessions stuck on 
the wall.

Whatever happens, I thought.

After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all sessions at 
the same time, conversations moved to become about a more defined topic (at 
least of few of which were not one of the topics on the wall).

The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many sounding 
quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant for their 
organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their summary to the 
most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that person specifically 
“I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is here”, and similar 
comments.

I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.

Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining, during 
the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing that could have 
happened.

Stuart
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Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Stuart Turner via OSList]

Dear Helene

Thanks for replying to my email.

If there’s a difficulty, it’s not obvious to me. Can you clarify what you 
identify as the difficulty?

It’s taken me a while and several re-readings of your question before I think I 
have an understanding of what you’re asking. It seems like you’re asking and 
perhaps suggesting there is not enough diversity in this group; it's too 
homogeneous with not enough potential or actual conflict for using OST to be 
effective.

Would that be close to what you’re saying?

Stuart


On 2 Feb 2016, at 9:18 pm, helene via OSList  
wrote:

does the difficulty here not seem to be obvious? isn't it typical for an OS 
taking place INSIDE of (what should be avoided) any team, system, organism..., 
instead of being "crossing", i mean, open to people from various places? sorry 
if i'm off topic!

Le 02/02/2016 13:43, Michael Herman via OSList a écrit :
> Sounds like a success to me, like you did s fine job, Stuart. They fully 
> owned the agenda, brought forth energy and enthusiasm, and in the end were 
> daring to speak things, by their own admission, that they  they otherwise 
> would not. You didn't panic when the unexpected happened, as they took the 
> program on as their own. I see no reason in your story for second guessing at 
> all. The only question I do wonder about now is "now what?"  What can happen 
> next?  How to support that?  
> 
> 
> 
> On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, Stuart Turner via OSList < 
> oslist@lists.openspacetech.org 
> > wrote:
> Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training course 
> for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and described the 
> marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the top and four 
> locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace with about 25 
> sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up to you”. They 
> started swapping the headings so times now went down the side and locations 
> went across the top.
> 
> Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it obvious 
> you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.
> 
> On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the sessions 
> pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to discover only the 
> time slots and locations remained. Each location had all its sessions stuck 
> on the wall.
> 
> Whatever happens, I thought.
> 
> After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all sessions 
> at the same time, conversations moved to become about a more defined topic 
> (at least of few of which were not one of the topics on the wall).
> 
> The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many sounding 
> quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant for their 
> organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their summary to 
> the most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that person 
> specifically “I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is here”, and 
> similar comments.
> 
> I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.
> 
> Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining, during 
> the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing that could have 
> happened.
> 
> Stuart
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> 
> 
> -- 
>  
> --
> 
> Michael Herman
> Michael Herman Associates
> 312-280-7838 (mobile)
> 
> http://MichaelHerman.com 
> http://OpenSpaceWorld.org 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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To post 

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Michael Herman via OSList]

stuart,

i was heading in the direction of saying that the only evaluation that i've
ever found very useful after an oepn space meeting is a review of what got
done, what will continue, and some reflection on what else might now be
able to happen.  after we give everyone responsibility for their own
experience, and then anyone starts in the direction of evaluation --
including the facilitator going along into "how did i do?"  -- or the
sponsor has a form for everyone to fill out... it always seems to me a bit
like saying "whenever it starts is the right time" and then looking at my
watch.  this is why i thought it was great that you said, this happened...
and i wondered... but whatever happened...

if we give them responsibility for the experience, then we can only ask
them to evaluate their own performance in that experience.  asking about
the design is useless.  assuming that we can cherry-pick the best parts and
just change a few details -- next time -- and we'll get all the best, and
then some more, seems pretty unrealistic.  on the other hand, asking about
what's done, what's in process and what might need another round of
conversation or study, in a taking-stock sort of way... that can be
genuinely useful, for everyone.

mh



--

Michael Herman
Michael Herman Associates
312-280-7838 (mobile)

http://MichaelHerman.com
http://OpenSpaceWorld.org



On Tue, Feb 2, 2016 at 9:40 AM, Stuart Turner  wrote:

> Dear Michael
>
> Thanks for your supportive comments.
>
> I’m curious about your questions and whom you’re asking. The questions are
> so wide and powerful I can only think of more questions to ask :)
>
> What do I do next? What can they do now? Who supports what? Are they
> rhetorical questions?
>
> I’m wondering if there’s more context or perhaps assumptions that it would
> be useful to add. I will appreciate it if you can provide more guidance.
>
> Stuart
>
>
> On 2 Feb 2016, at 8:43 pm, Michael Herman 
> wrote:
>
> Sounds like a success to me, like you did s fine job, Stuart. They fully
> owned the agenda, brought forth energy and enthusiasm, and in the end were
> daring to speak things, by their own admission, that they  they otherwise
> would not. You didn't panic when the unexpected happened, as they took the
> program on as their own. I see no reason in your story for second guessing
> at all. The only question I do wonder about now is "now what?"  What can
> happen next?  How to support that?
>
>
>
> On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, Stuart Turner via OSList <
> oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:
>
>> Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training
>> course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and
>> described the marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the
>> top and four locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace
>> with about 25 sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up
>> to you”. They started swapping the headings so times now went down the side
>> and locations went across the top.
>>
>> Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it
>> obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.
>>
>> On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
>> sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to
>> discover only the time slots and locations remained. Each location had all
>> its sessions stuck on the wall.
>>
>> Whatever happens, I thought.
>>
>> After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all
>> sessions at the same time, conversations moved to become about a more
>> defined topic (at least of few of which were not one of the topics on the
>> wall).
>>
>> The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many
>> sounding quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant
>> for their organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their
>> summary to the most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that
>> person specifically “I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is
>> here”, and similar comments.
>>
>> I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.
>>
>> Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining,
>> during the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing that
>> could have happened.
>>
>> Stuart
>> ___
>> 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 Herman
> Michael Herman Associates
> 312-280-7838 (mobile)
>
> http://MichaelHerman.com 

Re: [OSList] Whatever happens...

[Michael Herman via OSList]

Sounds like a success to me, like you did s fine job, Stuart. They fully
owned the agenda, brought forth energy and enthusiasm, and in the end were
daring to speak things, by their own admission, that they  they otherwise
would not. You didn't panic when the unexpected happened, as they took the
program on as their own. I see no reason in your story for second guessing
at all. The only question I do wonder about now is "now what?"  What can
happen next?  How to support that?



On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, Stuart Turner via OSList <
oslist@lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:

> Yesterday I facilitated a two-hour open space at the end of a training
> course for 30 people. I explained the principles, the law, etc. and
> described the marketplace. The marketplace had four time slots across the
> top and four locations down the side. After they had filled the marketplace
> with about 25 sessions, they asked me what they should do. I said “It’s up
> to you”. They started swapping the headings so times now went down the side
> and locations went across the top.
>
> Thinking of the many suggestions to "get out of the way” and “make it
> obvious you’re not an authority”, I decided to take a bathroom break.
>
> On my return I approached one of the spaces to find several of the
> sessions pasted on the wall. I turned to look at the marketplace to
> discover only the time slots and locations remained. Each location had all
> its sessions stuck on the wall.
>
> Whatever happens, I thought.
>
> After noticing there was some confusion about trying to discuss all
> sessions at the same time, conversations moved to become about a more
> defined topic (at least of few of which were not one of the topics on the
> wall).
>
> The closing circle had about half the participants speak, with many
> sounding quite enthusiastic about their experience and what the theme meant
> for their organisation. I noticed many of the people were directing their
> summary to the most senior person in the room. Some even referred to that
> person specifically “I don’t know if I should say this while the boss is
> here”, and similar comments.
>
> I wondered whether the space was beginning to close at that time.
>
> Perhaps I could have done a better job of facilitating or explaining,
> during the introduction. Regardless, it’s probably the only thing that
> could have happened.
>
> Stuart
> ___
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> 
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-- 

--

Michael Herman
Michael Herman Associates
312-280-7838 (mobile)

http://MichaelHerman.com
http://OpenSpaceWorld.org
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FW: [OSLIST] whatever happens...

[Harrison Owen]

From: Deborah Hartmann [mailto:debo...@hartmann.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 10:23 AM
To: hho...@verizon.net
Subject: Re: [OSLIST] whatever happens...

  Life, of course, is filled with throwaways. Some stick around and 
others depart.

The wording of this makes me think of the (apocryphal?) story of the 
invention of Post-Its - a failed adhesives experiment at 3M, so I've 
heard. A throw-away. But it fit a need... and has changed how we work! 
It literally stuck around :-)

Harrison Owen wrote:

 It is interesting (funny, odd, strange) how words, once casually 
 spoken, take on a life of their own, and somehow or another possess a 
 depth of meaning that was totally invisible in the moment of speaking. 
 The phrase, Whatever happens is the only thing that could have, was 
 just a throwaway, but it seemed to fit.

 I suppose it would be nice if I could tell you that each of the 
 Principles, along with the Law of Two Feet, were the direct result of 
 profound and careful thought. Maybe it would be more socially 
 (academically) acceptable if their origin were rooted in an extensive 
 consideration of life in all of its aspects, with due deference given 
 to the age old polarities of freedom and determinism, self and world, 
 being and non-being, just to name a few. Then I could announce that 
 after many years of deep meditation on the mountain top I have come to 
 pronounce the core understandings - the essential principles and the 
 one law. Nice, but total fabrication! The genesis, in fact was quite 
 different. It just seemed to be the right thing in the moment.

 Life, of course, is filled with throwaways. Some stick around and 
 others depart. What is the difference? I think the difference is the 
 way in which a phrase (or even one word) assumes a life of its own in 
 a community. There never was an authorized text - and for sure The 
 Community (whatever that was/is) never sat down in formal process to 
 determine the correct words. Rather like pebbles in a brook worn by 
 the passage of waters, some words are polished and smoothed to reveal 
 a deeper glow, and some are shattered to become sand and mud - all 
 taking place as the currents of community usage pass on by.

 I think it is probably important to note that the Principles and The 
 law were never prescriptive - as in telling people what they should 
 do. They are in fact descriptive - simply noting what will take place 
 anyhow. Even if we have been taught, trained, coerced, believe the 
 opposite - the principles and the law seems to be true. And for that 
 reason alone they are always troubling. They seem wrong, counter 
 intuitive, and definitely not according to our plans - but that is the 
 way it is. Or so it has seemed for 20 years.

 I can remember times when there was intense discussion about the 1^st 
 Principle (Whoever comes is the right people). People would say - Does 
 that mean that those who don't come are the wrong people? Are they 
 somehow bad, evil, and monstrous? Not at all! But the fact of the 
 matter is that they didn't care to come. No judgment made concerning 
 their moral status - just a simple statement of fact. They didn't care 
 to come. And what makes the people present the right people? Another 
 statement of fact - They did care to come.

 So where does that leave us? I guess the conversation continues, and 
 the waters in the brook continue to do their work. Actually I really 
 like, Whatever happens is the only thing that did. Makes me smile 
 too! And maybe I will give it a try and see how it passes over my 
 lips. But then again, I rather like the old one. Perhaps I am getting 
 older and set in my ways (all true) - but somehow the could have has 
 a useful jarring quality. Upon first hearing it surely sounds like 
 pure determinism - we are all locked in a prefigured universe which is 
 just rolling over us. But there is also a smile there too. And beneath 
 the smile is a recognition that given the constraints and forces of 
 the instant what happened was the only possible result. Given 
 different forces and constraints the results would be totally 
 different - but all that is just hypothetical. We could just sit here 
 and say ain't it awful, our freedom is denied, the dice have been 
 thrown. OR - we could pay very close attention to the present moment 
 and discover that even though it isn't what we expected, planned on, 
 or hoped for - there are in fact some incredible, rich opportunities 
 present which have never existed previously. So rather than 
 constraining our freedom, it is expanded in ways and directions we had 
 never even dreamed about. I like that one.

 Harrison

 Harrison Owen

 7808 River Falls Drive

 Potomac, Maryland 20854

 Phone 301-365-2093

 Skype hhowen

 Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com 
 http://www.openspaceworld.com/

 Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org 
 http://www.openspaceworld.org/

 Personal website www.ho-image.com http://www.ho