[OSList] Open Space and Agile Processes

[Kim Willing via OSList]

Thank you Daniel and Ron for your generous sharing on this topic - it is really exciting to read the links and the language around organisations and learning that is in this field and so closely aligns with Open Space. I am an Open Space facilitator, (not a specialist in IT) responding to requests from a client in the IT sector and I've gotta say I am surprised and inspired by the treasure trove of rich thinking and application you have shown me.
Lari, It sounds like you are applying the Agile framework (not sure that's the word) to content/questions that are not related to software development? I would love to explore the possibilities here further - the idea of a period of experimentation bracketed by Open Space is just fabulous - to have a 'sprint' of experimentation in which there is permission to fail and to try things out to get right into the 'how' and the 'doing' and then reflect and plan further action.  So simple and elegant and could be applied in so many fields.
I would love to hear more stories of applying the Open Agile approach to non software related areas.
In my case, I am working with a small group of IT leaders in a large organisation to bring about engagement in strategic planning for IT across diverse (siloed) agencies within the organisation. So, nothing really to do with software development but everything to do with a team with a vision, wanting to lead a conversation and engage their internal stakeholders or clients in that broad vision and develop ownership for future directions throughout the organisation.
As the leading group (they are, afterall, the IT Department), they brought their knowledge of Agile process to the planning process and want to facilitate it using Open Space. Brilliant! 
Which brings me to another request for insight from the list serve around TRAINING.
In addition to providing an experience of Open Space, what are some of the approaches to training people in open space that are being used out there? And what would be some fun and effective ways to train a small group (7) in Open Space in one day - in preparation for  participating in a large open space event (hosted by them but facilitated by me) and building their capacity to facilitate future events?
I very much appreciate your thoughts.
Kim.

Kim Willing
Groundswell
0428399798
http://au.linkedin.com/pub/kim-willing/14/17a/4b3/