opening the way to real change
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m following
along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even with the best
intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up reflecting the same biases
and profit‑driven values of the larger system—pulling us back to the
status quo instead of opening the way to real change? I’d love to hear
how others have worked with this tension.
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for the
unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.
The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.
The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical
game, the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live for.
So folks gather
to work on their projects.
Have a great day
mmp
Am 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m
following along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even
with the best intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up reflecting
the same biases and profit‑driven values of the larger system—pulling
us back to the status quo instead of opening the way to real change?
I’d love to hear how others have worked with this tension.
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen:http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:
https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya
https://www.wosonos2025.org/
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your thoughtful clarification. I hear you on the OS worker’s
role and the commitments of the process. My concern isn’t with the
intentions of facilitators, or participants, but with how larger
systemic forces—biases, economic pressures—can still shape what feels
possible in the room. Even in open formats, those forces don’t
disappear. I’m curious to know if and how you, or other practitioners,
have noticed or addressed this tension in practice.
My question is about how we notice and respond when the process
itself—despite its openness—begins to mirror the very dynamics we hope
to transform. How do we stay awake to that? How do we design for more
profound disruption, not just participation?
I’m grateful for the chance to explore this with you all.
On 11/1/2025 3:42 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for
the unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.
The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.
The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical
game, the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live
for. So folks gather
to work on their projects.
Have a great day
mmp
Am 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m
following along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even
with the best intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up reflecting
the same biases and profit‑driven values of the larger system—pulling
us back to the status quo instead of opening the way to real change?
I’d love to hear how others have worked with this tension.
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen:http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:
https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya
https://www.wosonos2025.org/
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
If "larger systemic forces" turn up during an ost event, entered by a
participant of the gathered system in the circle I might address that
person to add his issue on the wall so that the issue has a name and a
time for a breakout session.
In addition to posting issue at the times when folks gather in a circle
(normally gatherings in the morning and in the evening) I also suggest
to post issues at any time. To have
those issues to be visible I suggest to use a different marker colour
(the markers provided in the circle have one color, usually black or
blue, between circles I remove those markers and provide red marker so
that the new issue stands out).
Usually, several issues show up and are posted between circles... when I
see them I ask
the participants in the next circle to introduce it to the whole crowd).
I myself would not process "the very dynamics we hope to transform", it
would destroy
my main task, namely to do nothing.
The participants are free and able to process stuff.
If they want to deal with the issue "dynamics we hope to transform",
they can and will will
act.
Greetings from Berlin
mmp
Am 01.11.2025 um 09:38 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your thoughtful clarification. I hear you on the OS
worker’s role and the commitments of the process. My concern isn’t
with the intentions of facilitators, or participants, but with how
larger systemic forces—biases, economic pressures—can still shape what
feels possible in the room. Even in open formats, those forces don’t
disappear. I’m curious to know if and how you, or other practitioners,
have noticed or addressed this tension in practice.
My question is about how we notice and respond when the process
itself—despite its openness—begins to mirror the very dynamics we hope
to transform. How do we stay awake to that? How do we design for more
profound disruption, not just participation?
I’m grateful for the chance to explore this with you all.
On 11/1/2025 3:42 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for
the unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.
The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they
took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.
The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical
game, the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live
for. So folks gather
to work on their projects.
Have a great day
mmp
Am 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m
following along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even
with the best intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up
reflecting the same biases and profit‑driven values of the larger
system—pulling us back to the status quo instead of opening the way
to real change? I’d love to hear how others have worked with this
tension.
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen:http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:
https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya
https://www.wosonos2025.org/
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen:http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:
https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya
https://www.wosonos2025.org/
Thanks for clarifying the facilitator’s role and the value of “doing
nothing” in terms of content. My concern is that not all systemic forces
show up as issues on the wall. They often shape who speaks, whose ideas
stick, and what gets treated as “real work.” If we only respond when
someone names it, we risk letting those forces quietly steer us back to
the status quo.
So here’s my provocation: If Paulo Freire, Buckminster Fuller, or
Wangari Maathai were hosting this gathering, what questions would they
ask that we might not otherwise consider?
On 11/1/2025 6:27 AM, Michael M Pannwitz wrote:
If "larger systemic forces" turn up during an ost event, entered by a
participant of the gathered system in the circle I might address that
person to add his issue on the wall so that the issue has a name and a
time for a breakout session.
In addition to posting issue at the times when folks gather in a
circle (normally gatherings in the morning and in the evening) I also
suggest to post issues at any time. To have
those issues to be visible I suggest to use a different marker colour
(the markers provided in the circle have one color, usually black or
blue, between circles I remove those markers and provide red marker so
that the new issue stands out).
Usually, several issues show up and are posted between circles... when
I see them I ask
the participants in the next circle to introduce it to the whole crowd).
I myself would not process "the very dynamics we hope to transform",
it would destroy
my main task, namely to do nothing.
The participants are free and able to process stuff.
If they want to deal with the issue "dynamics we hope to transform",
they can and will will
act.
Greetings from Berlin
mmp
Am 01.11.2025 um 09:38 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your thoughtful clarification. I hear you on the OS
worker’s role and the commitments of the process. My concern isn’t
with the intentions of facilitators, or participants, but with how
larger systemic forces—biases, economic pressures—can still shape
what feels possible in the room. Even in open formats, those forces
don’t disappear. I’m curious to know if and how you, or other
practitioners, have noticed or addressed this tension in practice.
My question is about how we notice and respond when the process
itself—despite its openness—begins to mirror the very dynamics we
hope to transform. How do we stay awake to that? How do we design for
more profound disruption, not just participation?
I’m grateful for the chance to explore this with you all.
On 11/1/2025 3:42 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for
the unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.
The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they
took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.
The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical
game, the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live
for. So folks gather
to work on their projects.
Have a great day
mmp
Am 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m
following along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even
with the best intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up
reflecting the same biases and profit‑driven values of the larger
system—pulling us back to the status quo instead of opening the way
to real change? I’d love to hear how others have worked with this
tension.
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen:http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:
https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya
https://www.wosonos2025.org/
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen:http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:
https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya
https://www.wosonos2025.org/
--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
I know Fuller better than these others, Tony. Going back to your first
message, my short answer to your first question, how do we... is, we
don't. Pretty much in line with what Michael P has said. But on this new
question, are you talking about the famous Fuller or the young upstart,
broke and not sure how he'd provide for a wife and new baby? The one who
said he "invents things and waits for humanity to discover that they are
needed." Seems to me he lived mostly in OS, learning and contributing and
inviting the world to do the same. Living in OS.
It's the very rare, perhaps even mythical, OS gathering where in the
people are NOT going back, mostly, to their status quo. (Which we need to
notice has many many levels... some of them deep, slow, structural and
others more ephemeral and easily changed.) So no two or three days is
going to change the whole of anyone's world. Even in Birgitt's story from
Wesley Urban Ministries, it took a few weeks for people to decide to
restructure their world, as I recall, and then it took time to actually do
it and learn their way into that new world. Even Harrison's story of the
consulting group that sought the future of the company and found it didn't
have a future... went on to do other kinds of work, extending from what
they already knew and did. Some things change now, some things take more
time... who's to say which should be which? All of us!
At the same time, almost every gathering in today's world is likely to be
structured very differently from the daily status quo. So it can be quite
radical and provocative in it's basic shape. And when it works, everyone
sees it and nobody can completely forget the effects and possibilities that
are revealed. It cracks every world a little bit more open. Just by
turning the crank along the lines of the User's Guide, just doing the very
least possible. IF the need is to greatly change the status quo, then that
could be the theme. If you've seen the USWest video, the the theme was
essentially, "Fix Arizona" but nobody would come if the need wasn't
generally understood and desirable. So evolving the status quo is always,
ultimately, the responsibility of everyone, not a facilitator or a
sponsor.
There's nothing in OS that targets or requires change, especially if any of
us thinks we know what, how, when, where that change should be. It's
always just an invitation, to come together, do raise what's most
important, learn and contribute as much as we can, figure out some
immediate next steps and then we might as well go try and do them. And
every time we do that, we prove a little more to ourselves that we can, and
weaken everyone's excuses for allowing whatever isn't working in the status
quo to remain static.
In the end, real change is always and everywhere up to the participants,
not the facilitator. Or the sponsor who writes THE question. The most
direct way I think I ever heard Harrison ask it is: What's Working? (And
once we've got some juicy examples of that...) How do we make more of
THAT? I think we can only invite evolution, like this... vs., I suppose,
inciting revolution.
m
--
Michael Herman
Michael Herman Associates
312-280-7838 (mobile)
MichaelHerman.com
OpenSpaceWorld.org
On Sat, Nov 1, 2025 at 2:22 PM Tony Budak via OSList everyone@oslist.org
wrote:
Thanks for clarifying the facilitator’s role and the value of “doing
nothing” in terms of content. My concern is that not all systemic forces
show up as issues on the wall. They often shape who speaks, whose ideas
stick, and what gets treated as “real work.” If we only respond when
someone names it, we risk letting those forces quietly steer us back to the
status quo.
So here’s my provocation: If Paulo Freire, Buckminster Fuller, or
Wangari Maathai were hosting this gathering, what questions would they ask
that we might not otherwise consider?
On 11/1/2025 6:27 AM, Michael M Pannwitz wrote:
If "larger systemic forces" turn up during an ost event, entered by a
participant of the gathered system in the circle I might address that
person to add his issue on the wall so that the issue has a name and a time
for a breakout session.
In addition to posting issue at the times when folks gather in a circle
(normally gatherings in the morning and in the evening) I also suggest to
post issues at any time. To have
those issues to be visible I suggest to use a different marker colour (the
markers provided in the circle have one color, usually black or blue,
between circles I remove those markers and provide red marker so that the
new issue stands out).
Usually, several issues show up and are posted between circles... when I
see them I ask
the participants in the next circle to introduce it to the whole crowd).
I myself would not process "the very dynamics we hope to transform", it
would destroy
my main task, namely to do nothing.
The participants are free and able to process stuff.
If they want to deal with the issue "dynamics we hope to transform", they
can and will will
act.
Greetings from Berlin
mmp
Am 01.11.2025 um 09:38 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your thoughtful clarification. I hear you on the OS worker’s
role and the commitments of the process. My concern isn’t with the
intentions of facilitators, or participants, but with how larger systemic
forces—biases, economic pressures—can still shape what feels possible in
the room. Even in open formats, those forces don’t disappear. I’m curious
to know if and how you, or other practitioners, have noticed or addressed
this tension in practice.
My question is about how we notice and respond when the process
itself—despite its openness—begins to mirror the very dynamics we hope to
transform. How do we stay awake to that? How do we design for more profound
disruption, not just participation?
I’m grateful for the chance to explore this with you all.
On 11/1/2025 3:42 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for the
unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.
The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.
The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical game,
the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live for. So
folks gather
to work on their projects.
Have a great day
mmp
Am 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m following
along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even with the best
intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up reflecting the same biases and
profit‑driven values of the larger system—pulling us back to the status quo
instead of opening the way to real change? I’d love to hear how others have
worked with this tension.
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000 mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen: http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenyahttps://www.wosonos2025.org/
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000 mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen: http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenyahttps://www.wosonos2025.org/
--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Dear friends and colleagues,
my input to this thread is the importance of diversity for evolution, for
movement forward. When the facilitator works from personal health and
balance, they are capable of holding steady with diversity to do the work
of diversity in the flow of spirit.
Warmly,
Birgitt
Birgitt Williams
*Senior consultant-author-mentor to leaders and consultants *
Specialist in organizational and systemic transformation, leadership
development, and the benefits of nourishing a culture of leadership.
www.dalarinternational.com
Upcoming Workshops
Working with Open Space Technology | October 8, 9, 15 & 16 | Online
Individual Health and Balance for Leaders | November 29, December 5, 12 &
19, 2025 | Online
Holistic Leadership Development | January 5-10, 2026 | Online
Learn More & Register
http://www.dalarinternational.com/upcoming-workshops/ for any of these
workshops here.
Go to www.genuinecontact.net http://www.genuinecontact.net to see the
public Genuine Contact training and mentoring options by Genuine Contact
trainers internationally. If you wish to schedule an "in-house" training
for people in your organization, please contact me, Birgitt Williams
birgitt@dalarinternational.com, via email to set up a consultation to
discern what is the best option to meet your development goals.
16 Sunny Acres Dr., Etowah, North Carolina, USA 28729
Phone: 01-919-522-7750
Like us on Facebook
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Connect on LinkedIn
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On Sat, Nov 1, 2025 at 4:19 PM Tony Budak via OSList everyone@oslist.org
wrote:
Thanks for clarifying the facilitator’s role and the value of “doing
nothing” in terms of content. My concern is that not all systemic forces
show up as issues on the wall. They often shape who speaks, whose ideas
stick, and what gets treated as “real work.” If we only respond when
someone names it, we risk letting those forces quietly steer us back to the
status quo.
So here’s my provocation: If Paulo Freire, Buckminster Fuller, or
Wangari Maathai were hosting this gathering, what questions would they ask
that we might not otherwise consider?
On 11/1/2025 6:27 AM, Michael M Pannwitz wrote:
If "larger systemic forces" turn up during an ost event, entered by a
participant of the gathered system in the circle I might address that
person to add his issue on the wall so that the issue has a name and a time
for a breakout session.
In addition to posting issue at the times when folks gather in a circle
(normally gatherings in the morning and in the evening) I also suggest to
post issues at any time. To have
those issues to be visible I suggest to use a different marker colour (the
markers provided in the circle have one color, usually black or blue,
between circles I remove those markers and provide red marker so that the
new issue stands out).
Usually, several issues show up and are posted between circles... when I
see them I ask
the participants in the next circle to introduce it to the whole crowd).
I myself would not process "the very dynamics we hope to transform", it
would destroy
my main task, namely to do nothing.
The participants are free and able to process stuff.
If they want to deal with the issue "dynamics we hope to transform", they
can and will will
act.
Greetings from Berlin
mmp
Am 01.11.2025 um 09:38 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your thoughtful clarification. I hear you on the OS worker’s
role and the commitments of the process. My concern isn’t with the
intentions of facilitators, or participants, but with how larger systemic
forces—biases, economic pressures—can still shape what feels possible in
the room. Even in open formats, those forces don’t disappear. I’m curious
to know if and how you, or other practitioners, have noticed or addressed
this tension in practice.
My question is about how we notice and respond when the process
itself—despite its openness—begins to mirror the very dynamics we hope to
transform. How do we stay awake to that? How do we design for more profound
disruption, not just participation?
I’m grateful for the chance to explore this with you all.
On 11/1/2025 3:42 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for the
unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.
The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.
The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical game,
the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live for. So
folks gather
to work on their projects.
Have a great day
mmp
Am 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m following
along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even with the best
intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up reflecting the same biases and
profit‑driven values of the larger system—pulling us back to the status quo
instead of opening the way to real change? I’d love to hear how others have
worked with this tension.
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000 mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen: http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenyahttps://www.wosonos2025.org/
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000 mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen: http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenyahttps://www.wosonos2025.org/
--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Hi TonyIn my expérience, with OST people will go as far as the system permits.
But if the system is sick, they will protect themselves.
I did an OST with the HR dpt of a big international corp. 80 people from many different countries. I could sense that there were curious signs : big sub groups, communication people most of the time not participating in global topics, only when communication subjects. A few words at the closing that emphazised the facts that HR can hope, but Times may be difficult. They seemed satisfied, but not happy I would say, not hopefull. The topics had all been very operational.
A few month later, i did another mission for a factory of the group. There I understood much better : the group had been sold a few years back and to do that, they did not Invest for many years so that the figures appear nice. Management came from a complète different industry and many people left, leading to many management positions filled with inexpérienced or Even unwilling people. It had left very profound scars. But noone during the Ost had talk about it because it was past history. And the HR teams were global staff, reflecting new management Policy.
My opinion is that when the system is ill from inside, you have to work before a lot before people allow themselves to talk. OST shows was is possible now Within this context, this culture and thèse people.
It'a a lot.
The theme also reflect it. If you want to go further, the theme has to reflect the scope of actions envisioned. So for me it's the préparation that is key.
If they do not want to change the system, OST on it self will not do it. People do it.
My 5 cts
Christine + 33 6 13 28 71 38
Sent from my mobile phone. Please forgive brevity.
Le 1 nov. 2025 à 09:39, Tony Budak via OSList <everyone@oslist.org> a écrit :
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your thoughtful clarification. I hear you on the OS worker’s role and the commitments of the process. My concern isn’t with the intentions of facilitators, or participants, but with how larger systemic forces—biases, economic pressures—can still shape what feels possible in the room. Even in open formats, those forces don’t disappear. I’m curious to know if and how you, or other practitioners, have noticed or addressed this tension in practice.
My question is about how we notice and respond when the process itself—despite its openness—begins to mirror the very dynamics we hope to transform. How do we stay awake to that? How do we design for more profound disruption, not just participation?
I’m grateful for the chance to explore this with you all.
On 11/1/2025 3:42 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for the unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical game, the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live for. So folks gather
to work on their projects.Have a great day
mmpAm 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m following along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even with the best intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up reflecting the same biases and profit‑driven values of the larger system—pulling us back to the status quo instead of opening the way to real change? I’d love to hear how others have worked with this tension.
<pre class="moz-quote-pre" wrap="">OSList mailing list -- <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:everyone@oslist.org" moz-do-not-send="true">everyone@oslist.org</a> To unsubscribe send an email to <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:everyone-leave@oslist.org" moz-do-not-send="true">everyone-leave@oslist.org</a> See the archives here: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org" moz-do-not-send="true">https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org</a><pre class="moz-signature" cols="72" signature-switch-id="e8bd079b-40fd-4846-9e81-bf2b9299d097">Michael M Pannwitz Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin +49 30 7728000 <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:mmpannwitz@posteo.de" moz-do-not-send="true">mmpannwitz@posteo.de</a> In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich 160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in 146 Ländern aktiv sind. Mal reinschauen: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/" moz-do-not-send="true">http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/</a> Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um open space herum: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/" moz-do-not-send="true">https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/</a> Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.wosonos2025.org/" moz-do-not-send="true">https://www.wosonos2025.org/</a><pre class="moz-quote-pre" wrap="">OSList mailing list -- <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:everyone@oslist.org">everyone@oslist.org</a> To unsubscribe send an email to <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:everyone-leave@oslist.org">everyone-leave@oslist.org</a> See the archives here: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org">https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org</a>--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with TonyOSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Dear Christine,
your last sentence
"If they do not want to change the system, OST on it self will not do
it. People do it."
My experience is that systems (businesses, schools, parishes, daycare
centers, weddings,
unions, military units, banks, hospitals, welfare organizations,
consultant agencies... etc.) change.
If they do not change they are dead.
Neither ost nor people impact.
The forces of selforganization, however, have been active since the Big
Bang.
Any ost event that actually contains all the prerequisites that are required
for an ost experiment expands time and space for the force to unfold...
not in
a huge bang but enough for people walking off with tears in their eyes and
happy as hell.
Have a great day wherever you are
mmp
Am 03.11.2025 um 10:10 schrieb christine koehler via OSList:
Hi Tony
In my expérience, with OST people will go as far as the system permits.
But if the system is sick, they will protect themselves.
I did an OST with the HR dpt of a big international corp. 80 people
from many different countries. I could sense that there were curious
signs : big sub groups, communication people most of the time not
participating in global topics, only when communication subjects. A
few words at the closing that emphazised the facts that HR can hope,
but Times may be difficult. They seemed satisfied, but not happy I
would say, not hopefull. The topics had all been very operational.
A few month later, i did another mission for a factory of the group.
There I understood much better : the group had been sold a few years
back and to do that, they did not Invest for many years so that the
figures appear nice. Management came from a complète different
industry and many people left, leading to many management positions
filled with inexpérienced or Even unwilling people. It had left very
profound scars. But noone during the Ost had talk about it because it
was past history. And the HR teams were global staff, reflecting new
management Policy.
My opinion is that when the system is ill from inside, you have to
work before a lot before people allow themselves to talk. OST shows
was is possible now Within this context, this culture and thèse people.
It'a a lot.
The theme also reflect it. If you want to go further, the theme has to
reflect the scope of actions envisioned. So for me it's the
préparation that is key.
If they do not want to change the system, OST on it self will not do
it. People do it.
My 5 cts
Christine
- 33 6 13 28 71 38
Sent from my mobile phone. Please forgive brevity.
Le 1 nov. 2025 à 09:39, Tony Budak via OSList everyone@oslist.org a
écrit :
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your thoughtful clarification. I hear you on the OS
worker’s role and the commitments of the process. My concern isn’t
with the intentions of facilitators, or participants, but with how
larger systemic forces—biases, economic pressures—can still shape
what feels possible in the room. Even in open formats, those forces
don’t disappear. I’m curious to know if and how you, or other
practitioners, have noticed or addressed this tension in practice.
My question is about how we notice and respond when the process
itself—despite its openness—begins to mirror the very dynamics we
hope to transform. How do we stay awake to that? How do we design for
more profound disruption, not just participation?
I’m grateful for the chance to explore this with you all.
On 11/1/2025 3:42 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for
the unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.
The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they
took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.
The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical
game, the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live
for. So folks gather
to work on their projects.
Have a great day
mmp
Am 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m
following along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even
with the best intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up
reflecting the same biases and profit‑driven values of the larger
system—pulling us back to the status quo instead of opening the way
to real change? I’d love to hear how others have worked with this
tension.
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen:http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:
https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya
https://www.wosonos2025.org/
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:
https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list --everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email toeveryone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here:https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen:http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:
https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenya
https://www.wosonos2025.org/
Hi Christine,
I share the perspective you offered that it is about the people. I add my
perspective that when any organization/system is approached with the view
that it has within it the blueprint for its optimal health, a different
energy field exists than when we approach the organization/system as ill.
I agree that care needs to be taken on preparing the OST meeting with the
sponsor. One of my learning stories is an OST meeting when very few people
opened up. When it was over and the leadership team put actions into place
that came out of the OST, people started coming forward with comments about
'oh, they really meant it, they did want to hear us. I wish I had spoken up
but I didn't think it was real'. We quickly organized a second OST meeting
with the same theme. More people attended, and the energy for speaking up
and recommending thoughtful steps forward was high. We simply accepted that
OST would work. We had improvement, growth, development in mnd.
Warmly,
Birgitt
Birgitt Williams
*Senior consultant-author-mentor to leaders and consultants *
Specialist in organizational and systemic transformation, leadership
development, and the benefits of nourishing a culture of leadership.
www.dalarinternational.com
Upcoming Workshops
Working with Open Space Technology | October 8, 9, 15 & 16 | Online
Individual Health and Balance for Leaders | November 29, December 5, 12 &
19, 2025 | Online
Holistic Leadership Development | January 5-10, 2026 | Online
Learn More & Register
http://www.dalarinternational.com/upcoming-workshops/ for any of these
workshops here.
Go to www.genuinecontact.net http://www.genuinecontact.net to see the
public Genuine Contact training and mentoring options by Genuine Contact
trainers internationally. If you wish to schedule an "in-house" training
for people in your organization, please contact me, Birgitt Williams
birgitt@dalarinternational.com, via email to set up a consultation to
discern what is the best option to meet your development goals.
16 Sunny Acres Dr., Etowah, North Carolina, USA 28729
Phone: 01-919-522-7750
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On Mon, Nov 3, 2025 at 4:10 AM christine koehler via OSList <
everyone@oslist.org> wrote:
Hi Tony
In my expérience, with OST people will go as far as the system permits.
But if the system is sick, they will protect themselves.
I did an OST with the HR dpt of a big international corp. 80 people from
many different countries. I could sense that there were curious signs : big
sub groups, communication people most of the time not participating in
global topics, only when communication subjects. A few words at the closing
that emphazised the facts that HR can hope, but Times may be difficult.
They seemed satisfied, but not happy I would say, not hopefull. The topics
had all been very operational.
A few month later, i did another mission for a factory of the group. There
I understood much better : the group had been sold a few years back and to
do that, they did not Invest for many years so that the figures appear
nice. Management came from a complète different industry and many people
left, leading to many management positions filled with inexpérienced or
Even unwilling people. It had left very profound scars. But noone during
the Ost had talk about it because it was past history. And the HR teams
were global staff, reflecting new management Policy.
My opinion is that when the system is ill from inside, you have to work
before a lot before people allow themselves to talk. OST shows was is
possible now Within this context, this culture and thèse people.
It'a a lot.
The theme also reflect it. If you want to go further, the theme has to
reflect the scope of actions envisioned. So for me it's the préparation
that is key.
If they do not want to change the system, OST on it self will not do it.
People do it.
My 5 cts
Christine
- 33 6 13 28 71 38
Sent from my mobile phone. Please forgive brevity.
Le 1 nov. 2025 à 09:39, Tony Budak via OSList everyone@oslist.org a
écrit :
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your thoughtful clarification. I hear you on the OS worker’s
role and the commitments of the process. My concern isn’t with the
intentions of facilitators, or participants, but with how larger systemic
forces—biases, economic pressures—can still shape what feels possible in
the room. Even in open formats, those forces don’t disappear. I’m curious
to know if and how you, or other practitioners, have noticed or addressed
this tension in practice.
My question is about how we notice and respond when the process
itself—despite its openness—begins to mirror the very dynamics we hope to
transform. How do we stay awake to that? How do we design for more profound
disruption, not just participation?
I’m grateful for the chance to explore this with you all.
On 11/1/2025 3:42 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Tony,
the usual intention of an os worker is to expand time and space for the
unfolding
of the force of selforganisation.
The os worker does not have intentions on the content of the os process.
The participants work actionoriented.
The only promises of the ost process are that
--- Every issue of concern to anybody will have been raised, if they took
responsibility for doing that
--- All issues will have received full discussion, to the extent desired
--- A full report of issues and discussions will be in the hands of all
participants
--- Priorities will be set and action plans will be made.
The last has been changed since setting priorities is a statistical game,
the real
game is taking responsibility for the stuff that participants live for. So
folks gather
to work on their projects.
Have a great day
mmp
Am 31.10.2025 um 21:28 schrieb Tony Budak via OSList:
I won’t be able to attend the OST conference in Kenya, but I’m following
along with interest. What I keep wondering is this: even with the best
intentions, does Open Space sometimes end up reflecting the same biases and
profit‑driven values of the larger system—pulling us back to the status quo
instead of opening the way to real change? I’d love to hear how others have
worked with this tension.
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin
+49 30 7728000 mmpannwitz@posteo.de
In der Open Space World Map tummeln sich
160 Menschen aus Deutschland, Österreich und
der Schweiz.
Weltweit sind wir 543 aus 82 Ländern, die in
146 Ländern aktiv sind.
Mal reinschauen: http://www.openspaceworldmap.org/
Bei Westkreuz gibts Bücher/e-Bücher und Kärtchensätze
auf Deutsch, Englisch und auch mehrsprachig zu und um
open space herum:https://www.westkreuz-verlag.de/produkt-kategorie/arbeit-mit-gruppen-und-organisationen/
Der WOSonOS findet dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal in Afrika statt, Kenyahttps://www.wosonos2025.org/
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
--
In Solidarity for more joy, and less stuff,
Tony
Click HERE to Meet with Tony https://bit.ly/3WtAIgT
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org
OSList mailing list -- everyone@oslist.org
To unsubscribe send an email to everyone-leave@oslist.org
See the archives here: https://oslist.org/empathy/list/everyone.oslist.org