Open Space Technology by Harrison Owen is a fantastic facilitation tool offer by The Pattern Works for Large Group Leadership Forums

1. Open Space conferences have:
• No keynote speakers
• No pre-announced schedules of workshops
• no panel discussions
Participants create their own conference,
they become teachers and leaders.
OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY BY
HARRISON OWEN
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2. The issues that are most important to people will get
discussed.
The issues raised will be addressed by the participants best
capable of getting something done about them.
All of the most important ideas, recommendations,
discussions, and next steps will be documented in a report.
When sufficient time is allowed, the report contents will be
prioritized by the group.
Participants will feel engaged and energized by the process.
OUTCOMES
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3. There is a real issue of concern, that it is something worth talking
about.
A high level of complexity, such that no single person or small group
fully understands or can solve the issue.
A high level of diversity, in terms of the skills and people required for
a successful resolution.
Real or potential conflict, which implies that people genuinely care
about the issue.
A high level urgency, meaning the time for decisions and action was
"yesterday"
WORKS BEST WHEN
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4. A relatively safe neutral environment.
High levels of diversity and complexity in terms of the elements
to be self-organized.
Living at the edge of chaos.
An inner drive towards improvement.
Sparsity of connections.
THE ESSENTIAL
PRECONDITIONS ARE:
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5. Whoever comes are the right people.
Whenever it starts is the right time.
Wherever it happens is the right place.
Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
When it's over, it's over.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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6. If you find yourself in a situation where you aren't learning
or contributing, go somewhere else, "Don't waste time!"
Bumblebees: people who "flit" from meeting to meeting.
These people can pollinate and cross-fertilize, lending
richness and variety to the discussions.
Butterflies: are participants who go off and sit by
themselves. Butterflies create quiet centres of non-action
for stillness, beauty, novelty or random conversations to
be born.
THE LAW OF TWO FEET
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7. At the beginning of Open Space facilitation, the participants sit
in concentric circles in large groups.
The lead facilitator, in about 15 minutes, briefly states the
overview of the session, the theme of their gathering and
technique.
TYPICAL MEETING PROCESS
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8. Participants raise topics, write it on a sheet of paper and
announce it to the group.
These topics becomes the agenda for the meeting.
This process usually takes about 30 minutes.
Proposing an area for discussion, and taking responsibility for
it does not require that the proposer be an expert.
Possible that the proposer could be virtually ignorant of the
subject and was looking for some people with whom to share
the ignorance and develop some knowledge.
CREATING THE AGENDA
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9. Whoever posts a topic, the system expects that there is real passion
for the issue and can start the discussion on it.
Without passion, nobody is interested.
Without responsibility, nothing will get done.
The facilitator reminds the group that if nothing occurs to someone,
that is OK, and if someone has more than one issue, that is OK too.
In Open Space, people come together around topics they care about.
Voluntary self-selection is the absolute sine qua non for participation
in the Open Space event
IGNITING PASSION
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10. After people have stood to announce their sessions
these topics are listed as specific discussion groups.
Each discussion group has a specific time and place for
groups to gather and talk.
“COMMUNITY BULLETIN
BOARDS”
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11. Participants sign up and attend individual sessions.
People have time to discuss, negotiate, combine similar topics.
Move sessions around so that people can attend the key
sessions of their choice.
The first meetings begin immediately.
A number of groups run simultaneously.
“THE VILLAGE MARKET
PLACE”
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12. The facilitators designate a volunteer to record critical,
important ideas and points.
Any participant can access the content of the discussion at all
times.
All discussion reports are compiled in a document on site
sent to participants, unedited, shortly after.
CAPTURING THE MAGIC
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13. Sessions take as long as necessary.
Typically last for 1.5 hours.
Work is directed by a "theme“, "purpose" or "invitation" that is
carefully articulated.
Facilitators outline in advance a clear schedule of breakout
times,
and spaces where topics are to be discussed.
SESSION DURATION
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14. The facilitator typically remains largely in the background,
exerting no control over meeting content or participants
though supporting the compiling of the document produced by
participants.
Small groups might create agendas of only a few issues.
No limit exists on the number of issues that the meeting can
post.
Very large groups have many sessions running concurrently.
FACILITATION STYLE
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15. LEAD FACILITATOR AND PROJECT MANAGER
Colleen Jack (BA Hon) (COMENSA & ICF Associate Certified Coach)
The Pattern Works distinguishes itself as a Coaching & Facilitation
practice by ensuring the quality & capabilities of the co-facilitators in the
following ways:
1. Collaborate with coach/facilitators who are committed to Continued
Professional Development
2. Coach/facilitators are commited to thier Continued Personal
Development
3. Coaches are in monthly work supervision and peer group intervision
DREAM TEAM
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