Open Space Technology
Open Space Technology is a participant-driven meeting format that empowers large groups to self-organize around topics they are passionate about, fostering collective action and innovation. By relinquishing central control, it unlocks inherent creativity and leadership within the group to address complex challenges.
Use Open Space when you need to address a complex problem, foster self-organization, and ensure that all important issues are raised and addressed by a large group. It's particularly useful after a merger, during a business transformation, or when setting a new strategic direction.
Solves: Lack of engagement in large meetings, top-down agendas that miss critical issues, difficulty generating buy-in for new initiatives.
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Step 1: Frame the challenge. As the facilitator, clearly articulate the complex problem or opportunity facing the group. (5 minutes)
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Step 2: Invite participants to propose sessions. Explain how to post session topics on the agenda board, emphasizing passion and relevance. (15 minutes)
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Step 3: Create the agenda. Collaboratively organize the proposed sessions into a schedule, ensuring enough concurrent sessions to accommodate the interest. (15 minutes)
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Step 4: Facilitate self-organized sessions. Participants attend the sessions they choose, guided by the 'Law of Two Feet' (move if you're not learning or contributing). (Variable, typically 45-90 minutes per session)
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Step 5: Document and share. Capture the key outcomes and action items from each session and distribute them to all participants. (Ongoing throughout the event)
- Embrace emergence and resist the urge to control the agenda.
- Clearly explain the Law of Two Feet and the Four Principles (Whoever comes are the right people; Whatever happens is the only thing that could have; Whenever it starts is the right time; When it is over, it is over).
- Ensure that documentation is captured and shared promptly.
- Reopen the marketplace for session proposals multiple times throughout the event.
- Combine with other Liberating Structures like Celebrity Interview or 25/10 Crowd Sourcing.