English V.of the French Article

Parkinson & Gibeault dgp at cyberus.ca
Mon Mar 1 09:35:32 PST 1999


Hi again,

        Regarding the article in French about OS I sent yesterday to the
OSlist:

I had thought of joining the English version of the article but then
just forgot. So here it is. It may help decide wether this piece can be
helpful to you. Like other articles circulated about OS, these articles
can be reproduced as long as the source is indicated.

Your comments or suggestions for other French materials are welcomed.
I made an attachment of the file as well since the format may be better
preserved.

Diane Gibeault

191 Juliette Ave.
Ottawa Ontario
Canada K1K 2T5
Tel 613-744-2638
Fax 613-744-3347

 OPEN SPACE...a Technology?
 ...a Group Process or a New Way of Thinking?


by Diane Gibeault, Open Space Practitioner

Published in Capital Ideas, International Society for Performance
Improvement
(ISPI-Ottawa) bulletin, Vol.6, No. 2, 1997.

Creating a strong group spirit and commitment is not always easy in
today's challenged organizations.  But there is one proven way now
available to organizations called Open Space Technology, which can give
back to individuals a real sense of responsibility and, in the end, help
your organization's bottom line.

Open Space is recognized as an innovative approach to more creative and
productive meetings.  It is a simple and powerful way of organizing
small or large group meetings (10 to 1000) and of improving
communications. Open Space goes much deeper than  most other group
facilitation processes. It sparks life in individuals, the meeting and
in organizations. It creates passion wrapped in responsibility and
creativity grounded in realism.

The Open Space process was developed in the mid-eighties by  Harrison
Owen, author of several books - his latest, Expanding Our Now. Owen has
applied his innovative work with organizations, from major corporations
to community groups, in every continent of the world. Open Space
Technology is rapidly becoming known as a powerful group process that
supports positive transformation in organizations, increases
productivity,  inspires creative solutions, improves communication and
enhances collaboration.

Often in meetings, structure can get in the way of the really important
matters. In fact, coffee breaks are often the place where real things
get said and where the best moments are experienced. Open Space with its
few simple but effective rules, or rather principles, creates something
similar to the coffee break environment where the focus is open
communication. The uncertainty created by the "apparent" chaos provides
the freedom to create, and a state of openness which allows us to better
address issues. All these elements propel us to a clearer direction.


How does Open Space work?
No agenda or tables
Participants are seated in a circle and all have the opportunity to post
on the wall, issues they feel are important, related to a theme that is
meaningful to all. In Open Space initiative occurs spontaneously. With a
clear purpose in mind, all participate within the first hour of the
meeting, in creating an agenda and organizing self-managed groups.  A
common ground begins to
emerge.
 All issues are addressed
Every single issue of concern to anybody is explored. What better way to
move forward than to start from what you are passionate about? All those
who share that passion, interest or concern get together to work on it.
The process allows solutions to unfold. The safe environment helps
participants to communicate constructively. Team learning takes real
meaning here. Collaboration becomes intensely appealing and the
potential for commitment is increased because participants have taken
ownership of issues and opportunities.

Other outcomes
On the last day, participants receive a written report with a list of
those who participated in each group. This information supports the
development of rich and diverse networks. Priorities are set, an action
plan is developed and action groups are  identified. Participants leave
with new insights, new energy and a sense of moving forward.

Open Space requires...
Open Space is not a recipe for every situation. It is a great approach
for example, to explore issues, to plan for the future, to structure
quickly, to build and strengthen teams, to improve communication and to
re-energize an organization. Do not use Open Space if you think you know
the  answer to the question you want people to address. As a leader, you
are creating space for initiative, therefore, you must be ready for the
unexpected and open to change. The intention must be transparent. The
theme for the meeting must be clear and must represent a real issue of
interest. Open Space may appear simple on the surface, but the essence
is in understanding the philosophy behind the method and ensuring sound
preparation with the organization.

Who uses Open Space?
Small businesses, large corporations, community based groups and
governments from all over the world have been using Open Space
successfully. Several experiences are well documented (Tales from Open
Space, Harrison Owen, 1995). Who are those organizations? Organizations
who truly believe that their most important resource is people and who
trust their people. Open Space is not business as usual.  Open Space
Technology is not just an event, it is a new way of working, of
thinking, of meeting, of doing business and of being, that can continue
long after the meeting. The most spirited and productive work and
developments happen when we create a climate that favors initiative and
learning.


Diane Gibeault is an experienced bilingual consultant in facilitation
and organizational change. She works in partnership with Jacqueline
Pelletier,  a skilled bilingual facilitator who, like Diane, has trained
on Open Space Technology with founder Harrison Owen. They are both
members of the Open Space Institute of Canada. For more information
please contact:

 D.Gibeault & Associé.es - Associates, Ottawa,  (613) 744-2638,
dgp at cyberus.ca


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