Open Space
Material for this page started from the
KS Toolkit page on Open Space.
Open Space (also known as Open
Space Technology or OST) is a method for
convening groups around a specific question or task or importance and
giving them responsibility for creating both their own agenda and
experience. It is best used when at least a half to two full days are
available. The facilitator's key task is to identify the question that
brings people together, offer the simple process, then stand back and
let participants do the work. The process is admirably described in a
number of languages at
http://www.openspaceworld.org
.
When to use:
From
Openspaceworld.org (where
you can also learn all the steps HOW to do Open Space!)"Open
Space works best when the work do be done is complex, the people
and ideas involved are diverse, the passion for resolution (and
potential for conflict) are high, and the time to get it done was
yesterday. It's been called passion bounded by responsibility, the
energy of a good coffee break, intentional self-organization, spirit at
work, chaos and creativity, evolution in organization, and a simple,
powerful way to get people and organizations moving when and where
it's needed most.
And, while Open Space is known
for its apparent lack of structure and
welcoming of surprises, it turns out that the Open Space meeting or
organization is actually very structured
but that
structure is so
perfectly fit to the people and the work at hand, that it goes unnoticed
in its proper role of supporting (not blocking) best work. In fact, the
stories and work plans woven in Open Space are generally more complex,
more robust, more durable -- and can move a great deal faster than
expert- or management-driven designs."
- Problem solving - bringing stakeholders together to understand a problem and seek a shared solution.
- Strategic planning - Identifying goals and actions.
- Sharing and synthesizing knowledge - reflecting on what has been learned and understanding how it applies to work going forward.
- Community, team and network building - working together in small and large groups to help build relationships - secondary benefit.
Libraries could use Open Space events with their patrons, staff and wider community. For example, and Open Space session could be the start of an annual planning process. Open Space can be used to get patron and community input and feedback. Job Seekers can work on shared issues identified through an Open Space event.
There are many experienced Open Space practitioners in Washington state. Many of them do pro bono work and help build communities' capacity to use this method. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
More
Information/References/Related Resources:
- The Open Space community at http://www.openspaceworld.org Open Space is an online community of OST practitioners, with subgroups in 20 languages and a world map with a facilitator list. You can access a whole range of Open Space materials such as stories, photos, quotes, and references. The Web site also contains a section with tools and tips for facilitators and gives information on the existing e-mail listserves for OST practitioners.
- OpenSpaceTech: http://www.globalchicago.net/wiki/wiki.cgi?OpenSpaceTech
Michael Herman Associates' most up-to-date offerings about how you can practice OpenSpaceTech in your organization. - An Interview by Farah Lenser with Harrison Owen, the originator of Open Space Technology: http://www.open-forum.de/Interview-Harrison-Owen.htm
- "Anatomy of an Open Space Event" - a series of photos illustrating Open Space, by Lisa Heft of Opening Space: http://www.openingspace.net/gallery/agora.cgi?cart_id=6584162.28703*...Event
- A paper describing the Open Space process, by Lisa Heft of Opening Space: http://www.openingspace.net/papers_facilitation_OSCollaborationCommunication.shtml
- Further papers and resources on Open Space, available on Lisa Heft's website: http://www.openingspace.net/openSpaceTechnology_method.shtml
- A glossary of Open Space terms and phrases, compiled by Lisa Heft of Opening Space. If you would like to add another language to this glossary to grow this resource, http://www.openingspace.net/glossary.php?all , contact Ms. Heft at [email protected]
- Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/8764209@N07/sets/72157603238828824/ and http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=%22Open+Space+Technology%22&m=text
- A collection of videos on Open Space: http://www.openspaceworld.org/news/2009/04/08/collected-videos/
