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Ways of Being when Opening and Participating in Open Space
Convenor: Andrew Donovan
Participants:
Discussion:
I cannot convey the depth and meaning of the conversation and time together, but some points I would offer:
- In many circumstances (early in a relationship with an organisation, new to open space, perceptions of bias) clearly a defined role of facilitator is valuable.
- It reminded at least two of us that we are on a journey to redundancy, where as facilitators we become dispensable as open space takes hold.
- Recognition that it is a journey requiring a period of transition from facilitated to shared opening of space.
- How the leader or sponsor is within the organisation and therefore how they are perceived may alter the quality and nature of the space.
- Ultimately the group holds open the space for itself. Although there may be a person within the system who invites people to the space.
- I provided examples of an organisation who has been holding board meetings in open space over the last two years and we discussed the practicalities and spirit of this. Some points on this:
- The monthly meeting at a set time is an invitation to work together on ensuring that the organisation is healthy.
- Meet in a circle. The chair of the meeting writes 6 blank headings on a board with blank space under each (1. Strategic direction 2. Financial health 3. People 4. Infrastructure 5. External relationships and brand 6. Health of the board. Chair invites board members to post topics. The chair facilitates a prioritisation from 1. Onwards on topics. The chair asks for a minute taker and confirms minutes of last meeting. Then the person who posted the first topic (as prioritised) initiates the session and so on. (Contact me for more information).
- Being aware and present in a conversation brings an energy that provides a potential for the group, even if you aren’t talking.
- A challenge to find interest in the uninteresting (if you agree to pay attention to something).