OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY
OPENING OUTLINE
While it comes out differently
every time I open a space, here’s my starting point. I still read through this at least once as
part of my preparation.
I. Welcome; Create space
A. [Brief introduction by sponsor]
B. Introduce myself, honored to be here
C. Sit back, take a deep breath, if you like close your eyes and think about a time when [theme] made a difference in your life (e.g., when the arts made a difference…). What was happening? Who was involved? What made it so powerful? How has it affected the way you relate to the [theme] today?
D. Ask people to open their eyes, look around the circle as I begin walking the circle
E.
Look around and know there are many powerful stories
about the [theme] in this room. And the
skills, ability, knowledge,...caring are in this room to truly make a
difference
II. State the theme
A. State it clearly, succinctly and provocatively (e.g., create the organization you really want to work in)
B. Expectations for outcome (e.g., get as specific as you can so that you can leave here and act)
C. Constraints and commitments (e.g., Rich
will support you in anything you come up with within his span of control; he
will work with you to make happen anything that involves contractual, budget or
crosses department lines in service to customers)
III. How does this work?
A. Point to the blank wall; here’s your agenda, promise in next 30 minutes you’ll wonder how we’ll do it all
B. Pick some useful examples to express
the potential for magic (e.g., designing airplane doors at Boeing, planning the
future of Rotary Clubs in
C. At the core of OS is the belief that organizations work when people take responsibility for what they care about, on behalf of themselves and the whole
1. Write issue, name, announce, post – explain how time/space matrix works
2. When everyone who cares to has done so, sign up for as many as you are interested in
3. Not brainstorming – about passion because there’s responsibilities
4. Responsibility: to convene group, document session
5. Will create a book with all the sessions; explain how proceedings will be handled
D. Housekeeping
1. Food, breaks logistics
2. Evening News, Morning Announcements
3. Bells for gathering everyone together
IV. Principles
A. When people take responsibility for what they care about, these four principles naturally emerge.
B Whoever comes is the right people
1. Don’t need the CEO, or hundreds of people; just who cares
2. Only one? When was the last time you had quiet time to think and write about something you really cared about? Go for it!
B.
Whatever happens is the only thing that could have
This principle
serves as an important and useful reminder about letting go. As
soon as we enact our choices, they become what happened, and accepting them as
fully as possible and letting go is a very useful practice."
1. The attention is on Now, enjoy
the moment
2. About letting go of expectations: coulds, shoulds; whatever is, is; work with it
C. When it starts is the right time.
1. The last 2 principles are about our relationship with time. Rather than letting the clock rule, use them as information and follow your own energy
2. Thus, a reminder that creativity does not happen according to a schedule but starts when it starts
D. When it's over, it's over
1. And things don’t end by the clock but by noticing your energy.
2. Done in 10 minutes? Great! Move on.
2. Corollary: when it’s not over, keep going until you’re done
E. Law of 2 Feet (the Law of Mobility, What moves you)
1. Do a quick check to see that everyone has two feet. If not, frame it as the Law of Personal Responsibility
4. Two animals
a) Bumblebees
(1) Cross-pollinate ideas
(2) That’s why you can sign up for things at the same time; it’s possible to be in multiple places at once
b) Butterflies: they look very delicate and they’re deceptive in their impact
(1) May never attend a session; they hang out in the coffee shop, by the pool, in the bar
(2) You sit down and have a quiet, reflective talk with one of them; a chance remark may impact you’re thinking and you take it back into the larger group and it affects others
(3) So, if you’re irritated by people who never go to the sessions, know they do serve a useful purpose; if you’re one of them, you don’t need to feel guilty about it – in open space you’re valued.
5. Death to egotists: moderates their behavior knowing that people can leave if they hog air time
F. Be prepared to be surprised
1. Never before, never again will this group be together
2. If you walk out with just what you expected, you've blown it -- be open for the unexpected and it will show up
3.
Proust quote: "The
voyage of discovery consists not in finding new lands but in seeing with new
eyes"
V. Do it
A. It’s time, remember, if your issue or pet peeve is not addressed, look to yourself
B. My hope for you, that you reach your goals...that magic happens
C. So, I invite you now to come into the circle, write down your topic, your name, announce it and we’re underway
D. For safety purposes, particularly with larger groups, ask them to move the chairs near the agenda wall out of the way
2. Handling conflicts and combinations: negotiation is find; the final decision is owned by the convenor(s)
3. If there are more session than time/space post-its, remind them that space is infinitely expandable. Write in a time and place.
4. Write your names on the sessions you want to attend; you're not locked in and it gives the convenors a feel for how many are interested in coming
Here's a good evening news question:
This is a time for learning and reflection. Learning is about noticing distinctions. "What did you notice?"
Developed by Peggy
Holman