Open Space Technology is a simple meeting methodology involving
from 7-1000 people, that produces results, achieves maximum participation
and "buy-in" during the meeting and later implementation,
unleashes unlimited creativity, and inspires your team in finding
the best solutions to their challenges.
"Open Space Technology" is the name given to a meeting without a predetermined agenda. Developed in the late
eighties by Harrison Owen of Maryland, U.S.A., this meeting methodology
is now used around the world as an effective process for facilitating
change in both organizational and community settings.
Facilitating an Open Space Technology meeting is easy. However, even a single Open Space Technology meeting for the longer term benefit of the
organization requires more than the facilitation of a well-done
meeting. It requires care with the right theme or focusing question,
care with accurate "givens" or non-negotiable items
that clearly identify what space is open and what is not, and
care to ensure that the leadership in the organization receives
guidance in how to make the best use of the results coming from
the meeting.
Although discussions themselves are not subject to boundaries, we work with clearly defined boundaries for what the participants can expect as the
result from having participated in an Open Space Technology meeting.
Open Space Technology meetings are simple to organize, require very little lead time, are effective for any sized group from seven to one
thousand, are effective for established groups such as corporations,
private sector and public sector organizations, government and
non-government organizations, coalitions, teams or communities.
They enable the building of energy and participation in ways that
few other processes do. Open Space Technology meetings create
the conditions for interactive processes that allow leadership
to surface naturally.
Open Space Technology is best used when there is an important issue to be addressed; there is a diversity of people involved; there is complexity;
and when decisions need to be made quickly.
How Does It Work?
Bringing an Open Space Technology Meeting to your Location
Open Space Technology Training Workshops
