OS for research planning

Wed Dec 12 11:44:53 PST 2007

Hi Bo,

Harrison is thinking of an OS that Anne Stadler did years ago at the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center.  Her story, from the first edition of The Change Handbook, is below.

The other OS that comes to mind was actually done at the end of an Appreciative Inquiry Summit by David Cooperrider with about 400 scientists at the EPA.  I don't have the specifics of that one handy but could probably dig them up if needed.

from cold and clammy Seattle,
Peggy

*******************

Here is a system-wide, long-term Open Space story from Anne Stadler, an Open Space practitioner of many years:

In May, 1996, 120 faculty, students and staff from all Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) divisions attended an unusual two day retreat.  Focusing on the theme: "Integrating basic, clinical and epidemiological sciences to understand human biology and disease," they used Open Space Technology to initiate conversations and generate practical activities. 

It took foresight and courage to bring this about.  The FHCRC, 2,000 people strong, was organized by traditional scientific disciplines.  It is a global leader in cancer research.  So, why tamper with success?  

Dr. Lee Hartwell, a highly respected geneticist initiated the effort.  He believed that only through synthesizing basic, clinical and population sciences would we understand fundamentals of human biology and disease.  The crucial answers would no longer come from isolated pursuits of different disciplines.  Hartwell chose Open Space Technology to support maximum opportunity for self-organizing.  He felt this would reveal the nascent leadership opportunities for collaboration, learning and action. The choice had his colleagues scratching their heads.  People asked: "Who are the speakers?  What is the agenda?"  When told they would create it on the spot, most colleagues were skeptical. Once confronted with an open agenda and invited to take responsibility for what they cared about, leaders emerged to convene conversations.

That first meeting generated several cross-disciplinary initiatives including a monthly graduate and post-graduate seminar; internal web pages for each laboratory; a dual-mentored training program; several interdisciplinary courses, mini-courses, workshops and lectures.   The event unleashed new leadership and enthusiastic participation. 

In 1997, Dr. Hartwell was named FHCRC President/Director.  His first act: convening another center-wide Open Space.   This created new relationships and projects including a long-term, four-division interdisciplinary research program, more courses, some reorganization, and on-going work on diversity and leadership development.  Reflecting on the FHCRC's year-old Open Space era, Hartwell said: "I have found that leadership in daily actions and issues is key.  To effect significant change, many people must become leaders."

FHCRC's current challenge is becoming a continuous open space learning community, fostering efficient communication among multiple sites with different cultures.  Kim Wells, Organization Development Director, keeps the space open for the evolving learning community.  She reports: "I've been offering classes in leadership of complex systems; we've started regular two-hour Open Space learning exchanges and we are considering an Open Space on diversity within the year. Using our Intranet for communication and tracking what people are doing and learning is a future prospect."

Based on Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's two years of experience, opening space in an organization has these cycles: 

·        Convening the circle (calling all relevant stakeholders together on a timely and relevant subject); 

·        Revealing the leadership and diversity present (through self-organizing a marketplace); 

·        Manifesting practical outcomes in day to day work; 

·        Supporting the leadership in oneself and others to respond to emergent realities and possibilities; and 

·        Sharing learning through reflection and storytelling.  

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Harrison Owen" <hhowen at verizon.net>
To: <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 8:27 AM
Subject: Re: [OSLIST] OS for research planning

> Oh -- just thought of another which is very much in your ball park. The
> major cancer research center at the University of Washington used Open Space
> to set their agenda when a new president came into office. This effort was
> written up in a now discontinue Berrett-Koehler news letter. I don't have a
> copy but somebody may (Peggy Holman?).
> 
> Harrison
> 
> Harrison Owen
> 7808 River Falls Drive
> Potomac, Maryland 20854
> Phone 301-365-2093
> Skype hhowen
> Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com 
> Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
> Personal website www.ho-image.com 
> OSLIST: To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the
> archives Visit: www.listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Bo Laurent
> Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 6:38 PM
> To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> Subject: OS for research planning
> 
> Hi OSList,
> 
> I'm a newcomer to the list. I've been to a demonstration of OS by Lisa Heft,
> and I'm now involved in planning a conference (for spring of 2009) that will
> use OS, and a diverse group of invited participants, to generate new ideas
> for research. The field is a healthcare issue in which progress has been
> obstructed by isolation, adversarial factions, and too little attention to
> human functioning in social systems. 
> 
> We're working now on raising money to support the conference. Do you have
> examples you can share with me, or point me to, where OS has been used in
> scientific research? Especially in generating new ideas, questions,
> perspectives, methodologies, and collaborations?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Bo
> 
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