A Strange one -- All about Open Space Technology

Thu Nov 30 12:15:28 PST 2006

I just received a great note from Larry Peterson in response to my comments
about "technology" a la Open Space. The strange part is that somebody seems
to think it is SPAM and then sent it to me -- and it wasn't posted on the
OSLIST. Don't have a clue what it is all about, but maybe the SPAM maven at
Boise State needs to be alerted -- and for sure you will enjoy (benefit
from) Larry's comments.

Harrison 

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From: Larry Peterson <larry at spiritedorg.com>
Subject: Re: Open Space TECHNOLOGY????
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Harrison 

You discovered Open Space Technology as a particular technique for
"opening a space", for creating the conditions for self-organization.
I have no trouble with "Technology" or technique in the name.  Nor with
"Open Space" but I think the two terms are confusing for some.

I find that many use the term "Open Space" to mean a lot more.  Because
many do not like the term "Technology" it gets left off most of the time
in both common and professional use.  It leads many folks to call the
technology "Open Space" and also call any effort to open a space by the
same name.  You can open a space buy asking questions or using some of
the Principles and Law.  So that muddles things a bit in how it is
described and understood, particularly by those who are new to it.  

I believe that there are some critical elements to the "technology", as
you discovered it, that from my perspective, lead to its best use.  For,
example, sitting in a circle, the sponsors framing, no long speeches by
the facilitator but a few words while walking (literally and sometimes
figuratively bounding) the circle.  Engaging passion and responsibility
(including recording what happens) are critical.  The empty wall and
chaos at the wall are important parts.  The Principles and Law are the
"new rules/schemata" that enhance spirited self-organization and they
need to be clearly "invoked".  Recording, Closing circle etc. To me,
these basic elements of the Technology are stated in the User's Guide
(and need to be in the next version).   

And when many of these elements are not used, or there is not enough
time to really "open" I don't call what I am facilitating Open Space
Technology or Open Space.   

I find that a number of people call what they do "Open Space" --
coaches, facilitators, etc. -- when it is definitely not using the
Technology to create the conditions for collective self-organization.
Opening a Space with the Principles and Law can happen in every day
interaction and it can inform (transcend and include) some other
techniques (Andrew and I are still working on the fishbowl article).  

I think this "muddle" just is, but it can be confusing for some and
reduce the quality of of some OST events because the power of the
"technology" you discovered for collective process is not used.  

I certainly have experienced the power of personally learning to open
space in my life and work.  For groups and particularly organizations to
learn to do it regularly, it takes practice.  OS Technology is a way to
practice with groups of people.   Personal meditation and yoga are two
ways to practice being personally open.  So is opening and holding the
space in OST events a personal practice -- as Chris points out in his
book.

Hopefully this does more than add to the muddle.

Larry 

Larry Peterson
Associates in Transformation
Toronto, ON, Canada
416.653.4829

larry at spiritedorg.com  
www.spiritedorg.com 

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