(In our previous blog, we introduced Open Space Technology . . . This post shares the principles and a law that support Open Space.)
OPEN SPACE IS SO SIMPLE THAT THE WHOLE THING IS GUIDED BY 4 PRINCIPLES AND 1 LAW.
The Principles are:
1) Whoever comes is the right people. Success isn’t about how many people come, or the status of the people that come. What is important is the quality of the interaction and the conversation . . . and all you need for a good conversation is one other person who SHARES YOUR PASSION!
2) Whatever happens is the only thing that could have. As originator Harrison Owen shares, “This is a reminder that real learning and progress take place when we all move beyond our original agendas and convention-bound expectations.” This openness allows the conversation to flow where it needs to…providing the space for fresh insights to emerge. It eliminates the could-have-beens, should-have-beens or might-have-beens and invites people to “be” present. What is happening in the moment is THE most important thing.
3) Whenever it starts is the right time. The nature of creativity and spirit are essential . . . and neither pay attention to the clock! They appear in their own time, which by definition is the right time. Yet, that doesn’t mean that time is not respected. It is important to make the most of our time together and take advantage of the collective wisdom in the room. So that means when you are talking, be succinct. When you are listening, truly listen. And… together focus on the passion that you share for the topic.
4) When it’s over, it’s over. Dive into the conversation to explore, challenge and create. And then, when it’s done, don’t wait for someone to tell you it’s over…simply move on to something more useful. The bottom line is that meaningful action occurs when people take responsibility for getting it done, whatever “it” might be. The great part about Open Space is that participants are fully empowered to decide what “it” is.
And the One Law is The Law of Two Feet which states that if, during the course of the gathering, any person finds him or herself in a situation where they are neither learning nor contributing, they must use their two feet and go to a more productive place! This puts the responsibility for the quality of each person’s learning and contribution directly where it belongs . . . with that person! This law also supports a variety of participant personality styles. It enables those who prefer to stay completely focused on a topic to do so, while enabling freedom of movement by others (aptly coined “bumblebees”) to use their two feet – flitting from topic to topic pollinating and cross-pollinating, lending richness and variety to the discussions. “Unhappy people are unlikely to be productive people.”
Very Simple. Very Powerful. If you have an interest to try something new, give us a call. We would love to partner with you in creating an amazing MIND-OPENING experience.
