I was blessed with being able to participate in Agile Open Northwest where they utilized a concept known as Open Space Technology. It was something altogether new to me, but I found the results to be very inspiring as a method of both learning and collaboration.
Developed by organizational consultant Harrison Owen in the 1980s, Open Space Technology is a facilitation method crafted to empower self-organizing groups to tackle complex issues. Unlike the traditional structured meetings we're all familiar with, OST is marked by its open and emergent nature. Participants take the reins, setting the agenda and driving discussions. The process centers around the concept of "open space," a realm – whether physical or virtual – where participants are free to navigate between different discussion groups, engaging with topics that resonate with them.
Key Principles of Open Space Technology:
- Self-Organization: OST trusts participants to take responsibility for their discussions. There is no predefined agenda; instead, attendees create and join discussions based on their passion and expertise.
- Passion and Responsibility: Participants are encouraged to join discussions that genuinely interest them. The principle of the "law of two feet" allows individuals to leave a discussion if it doesn't contribute to their learning or if they feel they can better contribute elsewhere.
- Emergence: OST embraces the unpredictable and emergent nature of conversations. As discussions unfold, new ideas and perspectives surface, leading to innovative solutions and insights.
- Time and Space: Open Space Technology emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where time and space are flexible, allowing discussions to evolve organically without rigid time constraints.
Benefits of Open Space Technology:
- Increased Engagement: By allowing participants to choose discussions that align with their interests and expertise, OST fosters a sense of ownership and engagement, leading to more productive conversations.
- Creative Problem Solving: The open and emergent nature of OST encourages out-of-the-box thinking. As diverse perspectives come together, creative solutions to complex problems often emerge.
- Enhanced Collaboration: OST breaks down hierarchical barriers and encourages collaboration across departments and disciplines. Participants connect on a human level, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
- Efficient Use of Time: Traditional meetings often suffer from lengthy agendas and limited engagement. OST ensures that time is spent on discussions that matter most to participants, making the most of the time spent together.
Want to learn more about OST? Check out these links:
https://openspaceworld.org/wp2/
https://www.agilealliance.org/glossary/open-space/
Want to attend Agile Open Northwest? Visit their website here:
https://www.agileopennorthwest.org/