It always works … right? A story
Convenor: Anne Pattillo
Participants: Allison Baensch
Discussion:
This story like open space started with an issue and opportunity that led to an invitation. A Minister on the Government of New Zealand wanted key leaders from the tribes of the indigenous people of New Zealand (Maori) to talk about the development of treaty relationships between Maori and the Crown. New Zealand’s founding document is a Treaty between the indigenous people and the colonizers. In particular she wanted this discussion to be held in the light of the increasing number of iwi (indigenous tribes) talking on contracts to provide health services. The Minister had seen open space work and said let’s use open space. Her officials were nervous and resistant, but the Minister said let’s use open space and invited the leaders of the relevant iwi groups.
I was asked to facilitate. Who could say no – ego was engaged, let the process begin.
The venue was an indigenous meeting house. The Minister opened the gathering. Because of the history of the issue, we had a time for story telling to honour the history and the stories. The Minister was called away. The officials had another meeting. At the conclusion of the story telling – about mid afternoon I open the space, as you do.
No one moved. Not one person.
After a little time one of the elders stood – this is an important issue - but we must not use this process. Others continued, how can we discuss this issue using paper on the floor, who is she, we have own process….
After a couple of hours, as I reminded people this was an invitation, we broke for dinner. After dinner people decided to use culturally appropriate meeting process to share information on current relationship practice. I could stay but my business colleague could facilitate. This process continued until the following afternoon. There was an eruption from some of the younger members of the group.
Anger – you invited us to talk about the issues and opportunity that were important to us. We have not been able to do that.
After a short time for this anger and eruption – the local elder closed the meeting.
At the debrief, the Minister sighed, apologised and said we tried.
So a question from our session was Why had I not written this on the List serve?
Woah. It's good to have one of those stories in your back pocket. I have one like that too, but you can find it by searching the OSLIST archives for "goat farming." Trust me.
Even from kitty corner across the Pacific it seems clear to me that you can't open space if the sponsor isn't committed to it. The Minister can't just get up and leave. She is holding space as much as anyone. She invited the iwi to use her process. It was wrong of her to open up and then leave. Once all of the non-Maori people have gone, it would be natural for the rest to say "why don't we use our process." OST didn't get a ringing endorsement from the people who wanted it.
Having said that, the question remains, what is your role as the facilitator? Sounds like you had people who were there with an expectation that the process would unfold as promised.
It's tricky to stand up to an Elder and say "You may have your own process but I'm here to do this." But that's what being authentic is all about, knowing when to stpe aside because your truth won't let you waver from your prupose. In a funny way, if you think about it, there is a very refined practice of letting ngo tied up in that.
Anyway, this might be a good conversation to migrate to the OSLIST. It would unlock some really interesting stories.
ChrisCorrigan?
corrigan... "Anyway, this might be a good conversation to migrate to the OSLIST"
"...great,why don't you take care of it!" MichaelHerman? <grin>
commitment and respect
IMSNHO, I have to agree that the Minister showed that s/he was less than serious by leaving.
my question: if you all were committed to an "open space" format, what was "wrong" with using "their" process?
thanx, CarolTucker?