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Can Open Space be sabotaged?

Convenor: Val Embree

Participants: John Moore, Jan ____

Discussion:

Earlier discussions on the risks of OS in fatigued and cynical organization informed this discussion.

The concern about sabotage was seen to arise significantly from weaknesses in

1. preparation – Ie. Context is inappropriate for use of OS, there is not appropriate senior level sponsorship, the invitation was unclear, etc.

2. protection of the space – ie. The space is not ‘held’ – the facilitator leaves the event, the sponsor permits a the theme to be overridden by dramatic events (eg a downsizing announcement at the beginning of an open space event not designed to accommodate that event) etc.

Subsequent discussion in the corporate sector discussion group added the idea that internal facilitators may run more risk of ‘sabotage’ or breakdown - e.g. via weak senior sponsorship, or withdrawal of sponsorship during the event. External consultants advise they se themselves able to manage this kind of thing more assertively and successfully.