Open Space Technology A User's Guide

by Owen, Harrison

• ISBN13: 9781576754764
• ISBN10: 1576754766
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-04-21
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Summary

What if you could identify a mission-critical issue for your organization, bring together the people with something to contribute and something at stake, focus on that issue and take decisive action all in the same meeting? A fantasy? Not with the application of Open Space Technology. Open Space Technology is a methodological tool that enables self-organizing groups of all sizes to deal with hugely complex issues in a very short period of time. Authored by the originator of Open Space Technology, Open Space Technology: A User's Guide details what needs to be done before, during, and after an Open Space event. It is the most authoritative book available on how to plan and run a successful Open Space event. This 3rd edition adds a survey of the current status of Open Space Technology around the world, an updated section on the latest available technology for report writing (a key aspect of the Open Space process), and an updated list of resources.

Author Biography

Harrison Owen, the originator of Open Space Technology, is president of H.H. Owen and Company and the author of five other books, including Expanding Our Now: The Story of Open Space Technology, The Power of Spirit: How Organizations Transform, The Spirit of Leadership: Liberating the Leader in Each of Us, and Wave Rider: Leadership for High Performance in a Self-Organizing World

Table of Contents

Preface to the Third Edition	p. xi
Open Space Technology?	p. 1
The Genesis of Open Space Technology	p. 3
Experience to Date	p. 6
Coming Attractions	p. 11
Preparation	p. 15
Appropriateness	p. 15
It Always Works	p. 16
Working with the Client If You Are NOT the Sponsor	p. 18
Focus and Intent	p. 22
The Group	p. 25
How Many?	p. 27
The Invitation	p. 28
Time and Space	p. 32
OST in Combination	p. 35
Space	p. 36
Other Considerations-Like When Do We Eat?	p. 39
Supplies	p. 41
Consultation with the Facility Management	p. 43
Checklist for Open Space	p. 44
Proceedings and the Electronic Connection	p. 47
How Does It Work Practically?	p. 48
Keep It Simple	p. 50
How Many Printers?	p. 53
Reports without Computers	p. 53
Wikis, Blogs, and Websites	p. 54
Personal Preparation for Open Space	p. 55
Creating and Holding Time and Space	p. 56
Being Authentically Present	p. 60
Self-Preparation	p. 62
Site Preparation	p. 65
Physical Arrangements: Chairs in a Circle	p. 66
Plenty of Space	p. 66
Make the Wall Accessible	p. 67
And Nothing in the Middle (Almost)	p. 68
Creation and Placement of Signs	p. 69
Theme, Behavior, and Expectations	p. 70
Space/Time Matrix and Daily Schedule	p. 71
Report Production	p. 77
Creating Time and Space	p. 79
Welcome	p. 80
Focus the Group	p. 81
State the Theme	p. 82
Describe the Process	p. 84
Questions?	p. 90
The Four Principles and One Law	p. 91
The One Law	p. 95
The Final Admonition	p. 98
Time to Go to Work	p. 99
Creating the Community Bulletin Board	p. 101
Opening the Village Marketplace	p. 104
Holding Time and Space	p. 107
Collecting Coffee Cups and Trash	p. 107
Sensing and Responding to the Environment	p. 108
Morning Announcements and Evening News	p. 113
Empowering the People	p. 116
Potholes in the Road	p. 118
Heavy Weather	p. 118
Space Invaders	p. 121
Dealing with the Outrageous	p. 124
To Intervene or Not Intervene	p. 126
Movement to Action	p. 131
Getting the Whole System in the Room	p. 132
It Has Already Happened	p. 132
Prioritization and Action Planning	p. 133
Sticky Dots	p. 136
Voting	p. 137
Convergence and Action Plans	p. 139
Another Way: Opening the Space for Action	p. 142
Endings and New Beginnings	p. 147
The Talking Stick Ceremony	p. 148
Alternatives to the Talking Stick Ceremony	p. 152
Reflections on Open Space: The Medicine Wheel	p. 153
Follow-Up	p. 161
Keep the Space Open/Open More Space	p. 164
Unexpected Gifts: Leadership, Performance, Peace	p. 169
Leadership	p. 170
High Performance	p. 174
Peace and Peacemaking	p. 179
What Next?	p. 183
Additional Resources	p. 191
Index	p. 193
About the Author	p. 199
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