OS for research planning

Wed Dec 12 16:52:58 PST 2007

Hi,

Regarding Peggy's recollection . some background on the use of OS at the
Summit with the EPA can be found at the AI Commons, in the "EPA Project
Pack":

http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu/practice/ppEPAORD.cfm

I also pasted below a few relevant sentences from its narrative.

Eric Kapono

Hilo, Hawaii

kapono at advancementservices.org

********

. the 300 participants worked together in small groups and utilized "open
space" to represent more that 59 ideas. The participants self-managed their
discussions, merged similar ideas and collapsed initiatives as they saw
fit. The energy and high spirit to create these new projects was exciting
and highly creative. 

The Leadership Summit culminated in attendees proposing 40 specific pilot
projects targeted toward such goals as stimulating research collaboration
across ORD, engendering trust, enhancing internal and external
communication of ORD research, strengthening ORD's links to the public
through marketing and education, creating cross-training opportunities to
provide both a more well-rounded workforce and vitally needed assistance,
and mentoring the next generation.

From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Peggy
Holman
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 9:45 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: OS for research planning

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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