[OSList] Open Space Case Study

Sat Sep 29 15:39:54 PDT 2012

Dear Michael,

Good and very thoughtful questions, especially since we are usually looking for "one less thing to do" - that's branded somewhere in my brain!  Thank you, Harrison.

Having said that, about eight years ago, I started using "implementation criteria" to go along with "next steps" which emerged from concurrent sessions to insure alignment with the leadership and available resources.  

In other words, participants identify and hold sessions as usual on all heart-felt issues and opportunities, but it is made clear in the invitation and at the opening of the space, just by announcing the implementation criteria, that they are not guaranteed approval and needed resources. The criteria are there to clarify expectations and to acknowledge the presence of the formal system.  In my experience, the fact is that about 99% of all next steps ARE in alignment and receive immediate approval by the end of the Open Space.  

I also provide "next step" forms of a different color along with the traditional report forms in the breakout areas.  Some sessions produce many next steps and some none at all (one next step per form). Both the reports and the next steps are posted on the wall durng the day to allow everyone to sign-up right on the next step forms for just the steps they want to be involved in whether or not they participated in the session, and it makes it easier for the CEO, or pastor in this case, to review and give immediate approval or not during the day.

The process avoids prioritization and provides a blueprint for all to see and join in even if they weren't at the Open Space - well, except for the 1% or so of "next steps" that don't receive approval.  The 1% might be disappointed but at least they're not feeling mislead or holding unwarranted expectations about the implementation process.

Of course, some clients just want the benefit of learning all the issues and sharing the dialogues without "next steps."  Others may want a list to prioritize the issues and opportunities, but I find this converging at the end around "next steps" which emerge from those sessions very practical and usually what an organization or community is looking for.

Next steps have worked well both with organizations and communities as in the case study.  Having said that, I think you are absolutely right, that most of this would happen on its own without implementation criteria.  Whether implementation criteria are used or not, it is the level of passion and the willingness to take responsibility that produce results.

Suzanne Daigle and I were talking just this afternoon about meeting clients where they're at.  I think these criteria may contribute to a client's comfort level around experiencing Open Space.

Thanks for your questions. It would be lovely to see you again sometime!
Linda

> Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2012 22:21:42 +0200
> From: mmpannwitz at gmail.com
> To: oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
> Subject: Re: [OSList] Open Space Case Study
> 
> Dear Linda,
> thanks for your case study!
> Although all I read was familiar to me, I intrigued myself with the real 
> life example you researched and shared.
> I wonder why "implementation criteria" were formulated:
> 
> (1) Alignment with the parish mission statement.
> (2) Approval by the pastor.
> (3) Identification of needed resources.
> 
> My experience has been that those participating in an os-event in their 
> own organisation or an organisation they know well will automatically 
> reflect on whether and how their projects align with mission statements, 
> how they can get the approval of CEOs that are required and are 
> definitely ingenious in identifying needed resources.
> 
> Did it work in spite of the "implementation criteria" or because of 
> them? In the face of "whatever happened is the only thing that could 
> have", its perhaps irrelevant...
> 
> Greetings from Berlin
> mmp
> 
> I will spread your Case Study in the local community!
> 
> 
> On 29.09.2012 15:41, Linda Stevenson wrote:
> > The following link will take you to a "case study" on Open Space I did
> > for a Catholic parish last year.  It will be published in the November
> > issue of the Human Resource Development International journal in November.
> >
> > http://awakeninginquiry.com/uploads/HRDI_Article_on_Open_Space.pdf
> >
> > Your questions and comments are always welcome!
> >
> > Linda
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> 
> -- 
> Michael M Pannwitz
> Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin, Germany
> ++49 - 30-772 8000
> 
> 
> 
> Check out the Open Space World Map presently showing 384 resident Open 
> Space Workers in 66 countries working in a total of 142 countries 
> worldwide: www.openspaceworldmap.org
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