FW: [Master Facilitator Journal] Opening Space for Natural Evolution
Martin Leith
martin at martinleith.com
Wed Aug 27 02:59:34 PDT 2003
MessageNancy,
Thanks for your email.
<I went to the web site, signed up, confirmed my registration, but the site
did not send me and instructions for getting a user name and password. As I
result I am not able to access the article. There may be others on this list
who have the same problem - so I was wondering if it would be possible to
email a copy of the full article?>
Here's the article. I'll forward it to the OSList.
Let me know if you'd like to join my OS Newsletter circulation list.
Very best wishes,
Martin
www.martinleith.com
----------------------------------------
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Janes [mailto:bob at bobjanes.com]
Sent: 26 August 2003 13:53
To: Martin Leith
Subject: FW: [Master Facilitator Journal] Opening Space for Natural
Evolution
Hi Martin,
Thought you might be interested.
Best wishes,
Bob
--
Bob Janes
Master Coach
+44 (20) 8444-7274
bob at bobjanes.com
www.bobjanes.com
-----Original Message-----
From: steve at masterfacilitatorjournal.com
[mailto:steve at masterfacilitatorjournal.com]
Sent: 29 July 2003 17:52
To: bob.janes at webster-and-janes.co.uk
Subject: [Master Facilitator Journal] Opening Space for Natural Evolution
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Master Facilitator Journal | Issue #0111 | July 29, 2003 | 9,100
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From the Publisher:
Hello MFJ Readers.
Though I do spend much of my days in my home office
pounding out content, graphics, and websites on my PC, my work in the
virtual world does occasional grant me much welcomed dose of adventure. For
instance, today I'm incognito as I begin this week's piece, typing from a
table in a sleazy diner, under overcasts skies, laid over for 2 hours at the
Cincinnati Airport in route to the beautiful Martha's Vineyard. There I plan
to spend the week with my friends Rob Berkley and Debbie Phillips of GroupMV
for fun, adventure, and some help developing plans for my FacilitatorU.com
project.
Preceding this adventure, I attend another last
weekend, participating in a 6-hour brainstorming and strategy session hosted
by CoachVille.com to tease out challenges, opportunities, and ideas to help
them guide the future of their organization. The session incorporated Open
Space Technology and was facilitated by Nina East. In this week's article, I
share with you my experience of this incredibly simple yet powerful
facilitation model as it's something you or your clients would likely find
surprisingly effective.
Note that details of our next offering of the Random
Acts of Facilitation Teleclass on September 8th-12th is available for
registration at the end of this article. Also, with our "Getting Full
Participation" Facilitator's Guide being well received, we plan to release
our next guide, "Intervene with Confidence" in a few weeks.
Also note that since we've changed the home page for
MFJ, you can still enter the site without a username and password by
clicking on the links at the top or bottom of any issue. Or, enter the
"Member Area" from the home page by entering the following username and
password: username: sharemfj; password: today
If any of you have had interesting experiences with
groups as either a participant or as a facilitator, please tell us about it.
We may invite you to interview with us to highlight your story as a case
study for a future issue.
Thanks for your support!
Steve Davis
Publisher
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GAME Skill
Opening Space for Natural Evolution
An overview of Open Space Technology for Facilitating
Change.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Point
Open Space Technology is an organic approach to
facilitation. It mimics nature by creating a simple structure through the
application of a few simple rules and allowing for a free flow of
communication between all its parts. Inside this process, groups unfold in a
seemingly random fashion, but in truth, its participants interact guided by
their passions and natural attractions, the most natural of act of all
living things.
According to Ann Stadler, Open Space expert, "[This
approach] creates the conditions so that the maximum potential of the
individual and the organization to be realized. Open Space Technology
captures the knowledge, experience and innovation in the organization that
is not captured through less open processes."
When to use Open Space
Open Space Technology is most effective when the
following conditions exist:
a.. Presence of passion (conflict is an element of
passion).
b.. Where conflict is holding back the ability to
change.
c.. Where the situation is complex.
d.. Where there is a high degree of diversity.
e.. Where there is an urgent need to make speedy
decisions.
f.. Where all stakeholders are needed for good
decisions to be made.
g.. Where you have no preconceived notion of what
the outcomes should be.
Do not use Open Space when you know the answer,
think you know the answer, or have to know the answer. Choosing a theme for
the event and who is invited (the broader the diversity, the greater the
potential for innovation) are the most critical elements to consider.
Start with a Theme
Open Space Technology requires the group's
commitment to a clear theme. This serves as a focusing statement or question
for your gathering. It should frame the higher purpose and widest context
for your discussion in a positive way.
Here are some examples: "To build the best software
in our industry." "To become known for exemplary customer service." "To
create a company culture that attracts and retains the best in the
industry."
Those whom you invite to the event should be
stakeholders or have a specific contribution to make. All should have
passion for your theme. To help decide you should attend consider the
questions, "What are the expectations and outcomes of the session and what
will be done with them? Who are the people affected by the theme?" Also
consider any constraints that may have an impact.
Understand that this event will "let the genie out
of the bottle." Do not use it if you cannot live with the consequences. Once
it starts, it has to run, the sponsor must play by the same rules as
everyone else; it is a sacred trust and must be honored or there will be
consequences.
This technology can even be used for the business
challenges of solo-preneurs, providing they bring together a number of their
supporters, friends, and colleagues with a sincere interest and commitment
to their success.
Probable Outcomes
a.. Builds energy, commitment and shared
leadership.
b.. Participants accept responsibility for what
does or doesn't happen.
c.. Action plans and recommendations emerge from
discussions as appropriate.
d.. You create a record of the entire proceedings
as you go along.
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Application
How it works
Open Space Technology operates in accordance with
the following basic principles and truths. These should be explained and
discussed as needed prior to kicking off the session.
- The Law of Two Feet. This means that you take
responsibility for what you care about, standing up for that and using your
own two feet to move to whatever place you can best contribute or learn. Use
your "2 feet" to go where you feel compelled to participate, to leave what
you don't resonate with, and to take a stand for what's important to you.
Because "caring" is the common ground that gathers participants to a
specific issue, they are reminded that they are all standing together to
address a higher purpose.
- Whoever comes are the right people. Whoever is
attracted to the same conversation are the people who can contribute most to
that conversation because they care. So they are exactly the ones for the
whole group--who are capable of initiating action.
In one Open Space session, Rebock was holding, a
janitor from the building they were using was curious what was going on and
began explaining to some of them that he'd sure like to see a safety shoe
with Rebock insoles. The company ended up launching a new product from this
input that now nets millions of dollars a year.
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could
have. We are all limited by our own pasts and expectations. This principle
acknowledges we'll all do our best to focus on the present time and place
and release any judgments we have about others or our own pasts--things that
could have been or should have been.
- Whenever it starts is the right time. Give up
rigid adherence to schedules or agendas outside of the agreed upon focal
points. Accept that the creative spirit has its own time, and our task is to
make our best contribution and enter the flow of creativity when it starts.
- When it's over, it's over. Creativity has its own
rhythm. So do groups. This is just a reminder to pay attention to the flow
of creativity instead of the clock. When you think it is over, ask: Is it
over? If it is, go on to the next thing you have passion for. If it s not,
make plans for continuing the conversation.
Truths
- Everyone who comes must be passionate about the
topic and willing to take responsibility creating things out of their
passion. This will support the health of the process, respect for all those
involved that share your passion, and the value of all that's offered.
- Every person in every situation is having an
impact. Every action, inaction, body language, thought, behavior, etc. has
some impact on the overall dynamic of the process. Holding a clear, positive
intention on the theme and release of judgments and negativity will
contribute to the group's success.
- Chaos and business mix well together. New and
creative ideas and approaches usually arise from a breakdown or shaking up
of what exists. Clear intention and desire has the capacity to assist in the
reorganization of a chaotic system into a higher order of functioning.
Tease out focal points
Once the theme is established, individuals in the
group independently build the agenda items based on what they are passionate
about. These items might include problems to address, systems to develop or
refine, opportunities to explore, etc. Participants write down their ideas
then present them to the group one at a time. Once an idea is presented,
check to see if others' ideas are similar and decide whether they can be
incorporated, adapted or nested into a single focus. These are posted on the
wall one at a time under a particular group and time slot. There will be 3
to 5 different topics posted to be running simultaneously under each time
slot.
Get out of the way
Once the agenda is established, the various groups
are identified in the room and outfitted with flipcharts and markers. The
facilitator's role now is to just stand back and let the process unfold and
people gravitate to the areas that attract them. The originator of the theme
is responsible for seeing to it that all inputs are documented for later
input into the event document.
Group size
Open Space accommodates groups from 5 to 1500
people. It can be run for a couple of hours to 3 or more days; consecutively
or over time; at one site or at multiple sites connected by computer and/or
phone and video. The longer the space is open, the more transformative the
outcomes.
About the process
Participants will adopt different roles and
behaviors throughout this process. Some may resemble Bumblebees as they
cross-pollinate ideas across various groups. Some may "flutter" like
butterflies, observing and focusing on a particular issue without a lot of
fuss or apparent tangible input. Some may not attend some or all of the
sessions and hang out at the pool or the bar. Some may hog the conversation
and find themselves standing alone depending on the tolerance of their
audience. Small side conversations may take place outside or between
designated groups. Whatever the behavior, It's important to remember that
all roles are important to the process and contribute in some way.
After participating in an Open Space process, I felt
that a great deal of work was accomplished with very little effort or stress
on the part of any participant. I never felt stuck, bored, or frustrated
during this six hour process. Time flew by and a great deal of work flowed
out. I felt energized afterward as did many who shared their experience with
me. I definitely look forward to trying this with my groups.
Resources
An excellent resource for Open Space Technology can
be found at: http://www.openspaceworld.org/wiki/wiki/wiki.cgi?
--------------------------------------------------------------
Action
Is there an opportunity for you to try out Open Space
Technology in your work with groups? I'd love to hear from you. Please email
us your comments.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Reader Survey
What experiences have you had with Open Space
Technology?
We'd love to hear about your insights, perspectives,
and success stories as a result of using this technology. Please email us
your responses. All those who respond will be sent the entire collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------
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About the Publisher:
Steve Davis is "The Facilitator's Coach," helping leaders
enhance their effectiveness through the application and perspective of
facilitation. Please email or call me at 760-375-7384 to schedule a Free
exploratory session, or to share your suggestions and ideas for the journal.
I'd love to hear from you. If you find this newsletter helpful, please
forward it to your friends. Thanks for reading!
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In the Spotlight
New 5-day Teleclass
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Random Acts of Facilitation, 5-Day Teleclass
This class will meet for five consecutive weekdays
September 8-12, 2003 at 10:00 AM PST, 1:00 PM EST (NY Time) to cover 25+
facilitative actions you can take to empower and move groups forward. This
course is for beginning facilitators or group members that simply want to
know more about facilitation so that they can make the groups they are a
part of more effective.
How the 5-Day Format/Training works...
1. You dial into your class every day for 5 days
(Mon-Fri) for a 30-minute focused training segment using a conferencing
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2. You work a 25-point checklist during the 5 days
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afternoon, or sooner if you wish.
3. You will have the opportunity to discuss issues
on the subject matter with the instructor and your classmates via an online
discussion forum during the course.
4. During the week, you may access the instructor
via email for help or situational questions.
5-Day Random Acts of Facilitation Training Agenda...
Here's what you'll be learning and doing during the
5-Day course...
Monday
Introduction to the Facilitation and Self
Facilitation Skills.
1. Create the Ambience.
2. Share the Dream.
3. Get Facilitation
4. Juggling.
5. Me First.
Tuesday
Relating with compassion and understanding.
6. Be Ignorant.
7. Make Smiles Happen.
8. Hold 'em High.
9. Acknowledge the Elephant.
10. Turn on Your Crap-Detector.
Wednesday
Group Dynamics and Facilitation
11. Build the Container.
12. Build trust.
13. Mine the Unexpected.
14. Evolve Your Team.
15. Honor the Process.
16. Facilitate Full Participation
Thursday
Organizing and Presenting yourself confidently,
professionally, and authentically.
17. Prepare for Success.
18. Get Real.
19. Make Experiences, Not Speeches
20. Watch the Body Talk.
21. Be your message
Friday
Intervening to shift group energy
22. Tame the Tormentors.
23. CareFront.
24. Use the Struggle.
25. Break through barriers.
26. Facilitate from Within.
27. Embrace Facilitation as a Master's Path
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Also included with your training...
In addition to the 5-Day training described above,
you also receive:
1. Free access to the participant-only website (lots
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3. Free copy of the Portable Article Bank ($29
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Dates...
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Registration...
Please click here to register. Immediately upon
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About the satisfaction guarantee
If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with this
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Real Audio Testimonials
Click here for a one-minute audio testimonial from
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Thank you for reading this issue of the Master Facilitator
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