When is Open Space Not Open Space -- Toronto Events

Mon Mar 5 22:02:13 PST 2007

Hey Sheila...

I've spent a fair few years trying to correct the misconception that was
spread in that little federal government book about Open Space.  One of the
key criticisms that folks within the federal government have about Open
Space is that it doesn't lead to action.  THis has largely been about the
way the process has been used with in the federal government and especially
within the Department of Indian Affairs.  The irony is that there are many
First Nations communities and First Nations facilitators familiar with and
using Open Space Technology and getting some good results with sustaining
action, but alas, my work in the federal government ended in 1999 and it
seems they don't use the process much anymore these days.

However, we've been using it in all kinds of BC provincial government
contexts since then - including fairly extensively in the child and familiy
service world around BC - and I am just about to start working with a
national Aboriginal organization who is looking at using it as their basic
operating system, because it gets things done.

At any rate, good to see you on the list Sheila!

Chris

On 3/5/07, Sheila Beauchemin <s.beauchemin at shaw.ca> wrote:
>
>  Thanks for all the responses to this question.  Following on Larry's
> point, "Open Space" was included in a handbook produced by the federal
> government that includes short discussions of a number of facilitation
> techniques for dealing with a variety of issues.  The Open Space section is
> very cursory but since this handbook has received quite a wide distribution
> within the BC public service this may be causing some of the confusion.
>
>
>
> This dialogue has helped me feel confident enough to counter responses
> that are not true to what I know to be OST.
>
>
>
> Cheers, Sheila
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> *From:* OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] *On Behalf Of *Larry
> Peterson
> *Sent:* Monday, March 05, 2007 5:51 PM
> *To:* OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> *Subject:* Re: When is Open Space Not Open Space -- Toronto Events
>
>
>
> We've had the experience here in Canada of folks calling something Open
> Space and not use "Open Space Technology" as suggested in the User's guide.
> Usually it involves a consultant trying to manage some aspect of the process
> at the wall -- grouping topics, assigning meeting space, giving detailed
> instructions to small group facilitators, etc.  Back to Harrison's point
> of not "trusting" the people to self-organize and self-manage the
> conversations -- that closes the space.  When people experience a full OST
> process they usually go wow, that's not what I experienced before.
>
>
>
> Its also part of the reason for going on a learning journey.  Diane and I
> have extended the registration discount to March 12th for our April 25-27
> workshop in Toronto.  If you are interested see below.
>
>
>
> OSonOS in Toronto 07 will happen on April 28th, with a Stammish on the
> evening of the 27th.  Details on that are being worked out as well and will
> be posted soon.
>
>
>
> Larry
>
>
>
> Larry Peterson
>
> Associates in Transformation
>
> Toronto, ON, Canada
>
> 416.653.4829
>
>
>
> larry at spiritedorg.com
>
> www.spiritedorg.com
>
>
>
> *The Open Space Method*
>
>
>
> *Experiential Training Workshop *
>
> *Toronto**,* *Canada** -* *April 25-26-27, 2007*
>
>
>
>
>
> A unique way of leading, organizing
>
>  facilitating and of being in organizations
>
>
>
> * *
>
> *"**I learned that it's OK to release control and experience chaos with
> the group.*
>
> *  Order - a new order - will re-emerge which allows us to reach new
> heights."*
>
> *Linda Cooper, Advisor, Strategic / Scientific Partnerships, Environment *
> *Canada**, *
>
> *New-Brunswick, **Canada*
>
> * *
>
> *"This workshop is very well constructed; it allows us to experience Open
> Space and to learn in real time.  I really experienced and perceived two
> essential dimensions of OST: self-organization and emergence of leadership."
> *
>
> *Jean-Maurice Vergnaud, management consultant, ALELEKA,
> Boulogne-Billancourt, France**
>
>
>
> *
>
> * *
>
> *Open Space Technology (OST) *enables organizations to transform and
> become more interactive, inspired, healthy and productive. It also can
> accelerate projects and change processes. This simple but powerful
> participatory method is used around the world by thousands of organizations,
> companies, governments and community associations.
>
>
>
> *Leaders, change agents, facilitators and anyone aiming for more fruitful
> collective work* will want to know about OST because it is an effective
> approach for engaging people.
>
> *You will learn *when to use OST, how to plan for a successful OS event
> and how to prepare sponsors. You will discover the core principles and a
> different way of facilitating, of setting priorities and of action planning.
> Finally, you will participate in an Open Space and have an opportunity to
> practice.* **
>
> Larry Peterson **and **Diane Gibeault**, the trainers, *both bring 30
> years of experience in facilitating meetings and transformational change in
> Canada and on the international scene. Their combined experience includes
> approximately 400 Open Space events ranging in scale from 6 to 800
> participants.  www.spiritedorg.com  www.dianegibeault.com.<http://www.dianegibeault.com/>
>
>
>
> *Included:* A 3-day workshop*,** the** *OST book by Harrison Owen founder
> of OST, written and electronic materials (tools and detailed guides) and
> breakfasts, lunches, breaks.
>
>
>
> *Special Rates *for students and others. See also early bird registration
> savings.
>
>
>
> *Full Brochure & Registration*:  Clickhere<http://www.cyberus.ca/%7Edgp/Leaflet_OS_Training_EN_April07.doc> (MS
> Word) or see Larry'sor Diane's websitesabove
>
> Clickhere<http://www.cyberus.ca/%7Edgp/Leaflet_OS_Training_EN_April07.pdf>
> (forPDF format)  Early Registration Rebate extended to March 12th.
> * *
>
> *Information *
>
> *Toronto**: Larry Peterson** **larry at spiritedorg.com <http://>**
> **Tel. 416.653.4829*
> *Ottawa**:  Diane Gibeault** **diane.gibeault at rogers.com <http://>**
> **Tel. 613.744.2638*
> * *
>
>
>
>
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-- 
CHRIS CORRIGAN
Consultation - Facilitation
Open Space Technology

Weblog: http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot
Site: http://www.chriscorrigan.com

Harvest Moon Consultants
http://www.harvestmoonassociates.com

*
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