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...a Group
Process or a New Way of Thinking? by Diane Gibeault, Open Space
Practitioner Published
in Capital Ideas, International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI-Ottawa)
bulletin, Vol.6, No. 2, 1997. Creating a strong group spirit and
commitment is not always easy in today's challenged organizations. But there
is one proven way now available to organizations called Open Space
Technology, which can give back to individuals a real sense of responsibility
and, in the end, help your organization's bottom line. Open Space is recognized as an innovative
approach to more creative and productive meetings. It is a simple and
powerful way of organizing small or large group meetings (10 to 1000) and of
improving communications. Open Space goes much deeper than most other group
facilitation processes. It sparks life in individuals, the meeting and in
organizations. It creates passion wrapped in responsibility and creativity
grounded in realism. The Open Space process was developed in the
mid-eighties by Harrison Owen, author of several books - his latest, AExpanding Our Now@. Owen has
applied his innovative work with organizations, from major corporations to community
groups, in every continent of the world. Open Space Technology is rapidly
becoming known as a powerful group process that supports positive
transformation in organizations, increases productivity, inspires creative
solutions, improves communication and enhances collaboration. Often in meetings, structure can get in the
way of the really important matters. In fact, coffee breaks are often the
place where real things get said and where the best moments are experienced.
Open Space with its few simple but effective rules, or rather principles,
creates something similar to the coffee break environment where the focus is
open communication. The uncertainty created by
the "apparent" chaos provides the freedom to create, and a state of
openness which allows us to better address issues. All these elements propel
us to a clearer direction. How
does Open Space work? No agenda or tables Participants are seated in a circle and all
have the opportunity to post on the wall, issues they feel are important,
related to a theme that is meaningful to all. In Open Space initiative occurs
spontaneously. With a clear purpose in mind, all participate within the first
hour of the meeting, in creating an agenda and organizing self-managed
groups. A common ground begins to emerge. All issues are addressed Every single issue of concern to anybody is
explored. What better way to move forward than to start from what you are
passionate about? All those who share that passion, interest or concern get
together to work on it. The process allows solutions to unfold. The safe
environment helps participants to communicate constructively. Team learning
takes real meaning here. Collaboration becomes intensely appealing and the
potential for commitment is increased because participants have taken
ownership of issues and opportunities. Other outcomes On the last day, participants receive a
written report with a list of those who participated in each group. This
information supports the development of rich and diverse networks. Priorities
are set, an action plan is developed and action groups are identified.
Participants leave with new insights, new energy and a sense of moving
forward. Open Space requires... Open Space is not a recipe for every
situation. It is a great approach for example, to explore issues, to plan for
the future, to structure quickly, to build and strengthen teams, to improve
communication and to re-energize an organization. Don’t use Open Space
if you think you know the answer to the question you want people to address.
As a leader, you are creating space for initiative, therefore, you must be
ready for the unexpected and open to change. The intention must be
transparent. The theme for the meeting must be clear and must represent a
real issue of interest. Open Space may appear simple on the surface, but the
essence is in understanding the philosophy behind the method and ensuring
sound preparation with the organization. Who uses Open Space? Small businesses, large corporations, community
based groups and governments from all over the world have been using Open
Space successfully. Several experiences are well documented (Tales from Open
Space, Harrison Owen, 1995). Who are those organizations? Organizations who
truly believe that their most important resource is people and who trust
their people. Open Space is not business as usual. Open Space Technology is
not just an event, it’s a new way of working, of thinking, of meeting,
of doing business and of being, that can continue long after the meeting. The
most spirited and productive work and developments happen when we create a
climate that favors initiative and learning. Diane Gibeault is an experienced
bilingual consultant in facilitation and organizational change. She works in
partnership with Jacqueline Pelletier, a skilled bilingual facilitator who,
like Diane, has trained on Open Space Technology with founder Harrison Owen.
They are both members of the Open Space Institute of D. Gibeault & Associates, Le
FORUM OUVERT... une technologie ?" ... une démarche de groupe ou
une nouvelle façon de penser ? Par Diane Gibeault, praticienne de
l’approche Forum ouvert Article publié dans Capital
Ideas, bulletin de la Société internationale pour l’amélioration du
rendement (SIAR-Ottawa), Vol.6, Nu.2, 1997. De nos jours, il n'est pas toujours facile
de créer un solide esprit d'équipe et de susciter l'engagement au sein des organismes,
qui sont de plus en plus durement mis à l'épreuve. Il existe pourtant une
méthode éprouvée, la Technologie du Forum ouvert, qui peut redonner aux
individus un véritable sens des responsabilités et, en fin de compte,
améliorer les bénéfices et le rendement de votre organisme. Le Forum ouvert est reconnu comme une
approche innovatrice qui permet de tenir des réunions créatives et
fructueuses. C'est une manière simple et pourtant étonnamment efficace
d'organiser des réunions, que ce soit avec 10 ou 1000 personnes, et
d'améliorer la communication. La méthode permet d'aller plus en profondeur
que la plupart des autres démarches d’animation de groupe. La
Technologie du Forum ouvert insuffle une nouvelle vie aux individus, aux
réunions et aux organismes. Elle allie passion et responsabilité, créativité
et réalisme. La méthode du Forum ouvert a été élaborée
au milieu des années quatre-vingts par Harrison Owen, auteur de plusieurs
livres dont son plus récent Expanding Our Now. Owen a appliqué ses
travaux novateurs au sein d'organisations sur tous les continents, des
grandes corporations aux groupes communautaires. De plus en plus connue, la
Technologie du Forum ouvert (Open Space Technology) favorise la
transformation positive au sein des organismes, augmente la productivité,
inspire des solutions innovatrices, améliore la communication et accroît la
coopération. Souvent dans les réunions, les structures
peuvent faire obstacle aux choses qui importent vraiment. C'est souvent au
moment de la pause café que les gens discutent des vraies choses et qu'ils
vivent les meilleurs moments. Le Forum ouvert, avec ses règles, ou plutôt ses
principes peu nombreux mais efficaces, crée le même genre d'atmosphère où
l'essentiel, c'est la communication franche et ouverte. L'incertitude créée
par le chaos apparent engendre un climat propice à la créativité et à
l’ouverture, ce qui permet d'aborder les questions essentielles et de
donner une orientation plus claire. Comment fonctionne le Forum
ouvert? Sans ordre du jour et sans table Assis en cercle, tous les participants et
participantes ont l'occasion de soulever et d’afficher au mur, les
questions qui leur semblent importantes, en fonction d’un thème qui les
interpelle. L’approche du Forum ouvert crée des conditions qui portent
les gens à prendre spontanément des initiatives. Avec un objectif clair en
tête, tous les participants et participantes contribuent à l'élaboration de
l'ordre du jour au début de la rencontre et à l’organisation de groupes
auto-gérés. Un terrain commun commence à s’établir. Toutes les questions sont explorées Dans le Forum ouvert, toutes les questions
mises de l’avant par les participants sont discutées. Il n’y a
pas meilleure motivation que de commencer par ce qui vous passionne. Tous
ceux et celles qui partagent cette passion, cet intérêt ou cette
préoccupation se rassemblent pour y travailler. Une telle démarche facilite
l’émergence de solutions. De plus, l'environnement très rassurant
favorise la communication. L’apprentissage en équipe prend ici tout son
sens. Les bénéfices de la collaboration deviennent évidents. Le potentiel
pour un engagement réel augmente considérablement puisque les participants se
sont approprié la démarche et la réflexion. Autres résultats Au terme de l'atelier, les participants et
participantes reçoivent un rapport écrit du travail accompli par les groupes,
ainsi que la liste des personnes qui y ont contribué. Il se crée ainsi des
réseaux où la diversité et la richesse d'expérience appuient et guident le
cheminement. Des priorités sont fixées, des plans d'action sont élaborés et
des groupes d'action sont organisés. Tous repartent avec de nouvelles
connaissances, un regain d'énergie et le sentiment réel d'avoir progressé. Ce que le Forum ouvert exige Le Forum ouvert n'est pas une recette
applicable à toutes les situations. C’est une approche qui, par
exemple, permet d’explorer une question, de planifier pour
l’avenir, de structurer rapidement, de créer et consolider des équipes,
d’améliorer la communication et de redonner de l’énergie à un
organisme. Ne choisissez pas le Forum ouvert si vous croyez déjà avoir la
réponse à la question. Puisque comme leader vous créez un espace propice à
l’initiative, vous devez être prêt pour l’imprévu et être ouvert
au changement. L’intention doit être transparente, le thème de la
rencontre clair et la question d’intérêt réel. La Technologie du Forum
ouvert peut paraître simple en surface, mais il est crucial de bien
comprendre la philosophie qui la sous-tend et d’assurer une préparation
soignée avec l’organisme. Qui fait appel au Forum ouvert? Les petites entreprises, les grandes
corporations, les groupes communautaires et les gouvernements du monde entier
ont utilisé le Forum ouvert avec succès. Plusieurs de leurs expériences ont
été bien documentées (Tales from Open Space, Harrison Owen, 1995). Ce
qui caractérise ces organismes, c’est qu’ils croient
véritablement que les gens sont leur plus importante ressource et
qu’ils leur font confiance. La Technologie du Forum ouvert n’est
pas une formule traditionnelle. Le Forum ouvert, ce n’est pas seulement
un événement. C’est une nouvelle façon d’être, de travailler, de
penser, de se réunir et de faire des affaires qui peut se poursuivre bien
au-delà de la rencontre. Pour un travail plus énergique et plus créatif, il
faut un climat qui encourage l'initiative et l'apprentissage. Diane Gibeault est une consultante
d'expérience dans les domaines de l'animation et deschangements
organisationnels. Elle travaille en partenariat avec Jacqueline Pelletier,
qui, comme Diane, a été formée par Harrison Owen, créateur de la Technologie
du Forum ouvert. Elles sont membres du Open Space Institute of D. Gibeault & Associé.es-Associates au
(613) 744-2638, dgp@cyberus.ca World-wide Open
Space Institute Launches New Website! Peg Homan sends the following invitation to
friends of Open Space : Come visit our new home in cyberspace:
http://www.openspaceworld.org It is our invitation to you to participate in
what gives the Open Space Institutes meaning: holding space for Open
Space. Whether for mutual support and connection, mentoring or being
mentored, learning or contributing to OS research, or simply a place to send
your friends, the web site is there for you. To that end, this site is as open to
participation as we could make it. For example, take a look at stories and
resources provided by OS practitioners. Do you have a story or OS tool you'd
like to share? You can post it yourself. Or do you want to learn about OS training
or events? They're not only listed, but if you are an OSI member, you can
post them yourself. Want to connect with an OS practitioner
near you or who has expertise in a particular area? Check out the directory
of friends and practitioners. And while you're there, add yourself to the
list. Need some resources on Open Space -- the
User's Guide or the U S WEST video? What's available for purchase is
described online. And if you're a member with a related resource to sell, post it! And of course, what Open Space is complete
without an online marketplace? Got something about OS to discuss, here's a
place to do it A couple seeds have been planted to start the conversation,
but it won't grow without you. This site is here in service to the Open
Space community. It helps to hold the space for the OS community around the
world, so come join us and send your friends. And please let us know what you think by
contacting us at webmaster@openspaceworld.org or osi@tmn.com Yours, in Open Space, Michael Herman, Peggy Holman, Barry Owen,
and Koos de Heer creators of the World-wide Open Space web site
Harrison Owen’s Books are available from Larry Peterson (Open Space Institute) or through Resources Connection. Information is available via their website http://www.resourcesconnect.com/ To order call 1-800-295-0957, fax 905-473-4219 or email info@resourcesconnect.com Expanding Our Now and Open
Space Technology are available from Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Their
distributor in 1999 September 25-27: OSonOS VII in October 12-15: Open Space Training November 2-6: Open Space Training with
Harrison Owen Flamborough, ON.
Contact Jacqui McNeilly as above. November 15-18: Open Space Training November 27: OSI 2000 January 18-21: Open Space Training, Denver, CO. Contact Jacqui McNeilly as above. February 22-25: Opening the Space: Being
Intentional about emergent strategy, teamwork and spirit. February 21-24: Open Space Training, January 24-25, March 21-22 and May
25-26: Process Facilitation Workshops designed to assist Open Space practitioners and
other facilitators help their clients plan and implement effective meetings
including pre- and post-planning and follow up sessions with
"sponsors" and facilitate eetings that engage the whole person
(Contact Jacqui McNeilly as above) Coaching
Open Space Facilitators By Larry Peterson I see this article as a "report on practice". As most you know, I have led training and been active in OSI Canada. I freely offer advice and have given support to trainees or to other OSI folks by phone or in person. I have also had facilitators shadow me at Open Space events. I have co-led Open Space events for mutual learning. However, it has only been in the last six months that I have been approached to be a "coach" for other facilitators. It is clear to me that "coaching" is catching on within and beyond the corporate sector. I have recently been asked to coach four facilitators who have secured contracts to do large Open Space events. They wanted me to give clear and effective support including formal coaching sessions, rehearsals, and computer assistance for convergence all based on a coaching contract. The facilitators wanted to ensure that the coach would commit the time and the experience to give them the support they wanted. They all had taken training from Harrison, Birgitt or I. They had all Opened Space before. However, they approached me because their "next event" was going to be different. Most had experience with smaller groups and they were now facing a much larger group. One person had not facilitated an Open Space for a year. For all of them the stakes were higher for the event on the horizon. They each wanted someone in the background to add to their clarity and confidence. I was definitely in the background. I attended only one of the four events. They all knew that a conversation over coffee, the phone or the Internet would not be enough and they wanted to compensate me for the extra effort. External coaching or mentoring is seen as an important role in both the corporate and non-profit sectors now. Many large corporations build coaching support into most new or senior positions. Centers and Associations have emerged to train and support coaches. I have not taken that training, but I have coached change leaders before. My approach was to initially work with these facilitators as if I was working with a client or sponsor who was Opening Space. In the early coaching sessions, I explored with them how they had prepared their clients for the upcoming Open Space with regard to some key issues for me.
All had missed at least one key conversation, from my perspective, in preparing their client for the event. In one case, I worked specifically with the facilitator and her support staff on preparing for convergence. They wanted to use the Multi-Voter software to determine priorities for planning next steps. I worked with the technical support person to ensure that the software was understood and working. All the facilitators wanted to rehearse the "opening". They each drafted their personal notes or "script" for how they usually open space, integrating the theme of the upcoming event. I also worked with them on the flow of their comments and their body movement. They all wanted to rehearse their words and the walking of the circle. In two cases, we did that in the location where the space was to be opened so they could get an early feel of the room. The facilitators would rehearse by beginning with the opening they had used in the past. I gave advice from my experience and from what I have seen of how others Open Space. They would then re-think and try it again, sometimes letting it settle overnight. I am certain there is no one right way. I have seen space opened in many ways, some which followed the "ritual" and some that didn't, and it still was opened. Open Space works. However, I believe it can be a more powerful experience for the group and the facilitator when the facilitator feels confident and empowered. I believe that there are some things that I do, some ways of being in the room, that engage the Spirit in the room and my spirit better than others. I also believe that each facilitator will find in their depths their own approach, their words and flow. I believe that personal preparation helps. And, that it will be different every time. On their own, most of the facilitators re-read Open Space Technology: A User's Guide and I encourage them to do so. I also shared with them the flow of ideas that work for me in Opening Space. Coaching others has helped me become clearer about them.
The facilitators combined, adapted and modified all the approaches with the theme for their event until they were comfortable enough to go for it. This kind of coaching is different than the learning that takes place in the workshops I have led. It is personalized, it is at the interaction of ideas and behaviour, it is "real time" working on a real event, and the stakes are higher. It is also great fun in both the interaction and when I hear about or experience the results of the Open Space. One of the facilitators from a large corporation doing a highly visible event was thrilled with the results of the Open Space as were the participants. Many felt that it was "one of the best large group events in the organization's history". The facilitator felt that my coaching made an important contribution to the success of the event and hopefully to more Open Space in that company. I hope this statement of my recent experience is helpful. It may encourage some of you to become coaches in this way. Others may want to seek the support that this kind of coaching can provide. Contact Larry Peterson & Associates
in Transformation. at Father Brian Bainbridge forwarded this
report of Birgitt Bolton’s training excursion in We are delighted that Birgitt - from perhaps because of her visit, partly at
least - that number seems to be growing almost exponentially in our country. To let you know the USER GROUP FOR OPEN
SPACERS at Bacchus Marsh in excelled. There were 36 participants from
all over and exposure exercise. The outcomes from
same were just fine and highly relevant - as always. The manual which was
used featured excellent "cartoons" and illustrations by Virginia
Burt and were very appreciated, especially the pages addressing change and
the inevitability of change. Quite telling. One picture of a cow with a
dependent cobweb made for much giggling. All went away from the program - including
a number of "cynics" – with strong commitment and energy to
apply Open Space in their own times and places and to work at it as an
on-going pattern for organisational life. One consultant has done at least
six Open Space events since then, and others have reported on events as well.
Significant planning of Open Space events is in the pipeline in almost every
State and in to my direct knowledge. Birgitt spent time in Melbourne with the
Shell Company, with the local Fast Company cell, with a couple of groups of
consultants, with a Primary/Elementary school, with a Parish Mission in a
highly disadvantaged area in St Kilda, was interviewed on national radio for half an hour (with a substantial number of
follow-on inquiries about Open Space data and manuals), and (for relaxation)
visited a winery area. And there were other functions as well, including a
polite and gentle birthday celebration on July 13, and
visiting the She left so that no one could see the mistakes. And
a "minor" altercation in the same truck with a fence pole of some
kind which damaged the truck a little and the driver's pride a lot!! And
there are lists of places to return to, especially And there is great enthusiasm for the
kindness and hospitality of Australian people, mostly. Birgitt will speak for herself, as always,
but this is just an observer's view of things. Fr Brian S. Bainbridge from OSI-OZ - Open Space Institute of FACILITATION
APPROACHES" Next
OSI The Open Space Institute of Canada is
hosting a one day opportunity for those who have experienced or are using
Open Space Technology to explore in an Open Space format, the use of Open
Space with other facilitation approaches. OS practitioners frequently facilitate
events and/or long term processes which, because of their nature, require a
variety of approaches. Where does Open Space fit in? When is it appropriate
to flow from one process to another and how does one go about it? What other techniques do you use and want
to discuss? Does the size of the group matter? In other words… What
are the challenges and opportunities for using Open Space with other
facilitation approaches? These are some of the questions you may be
interested in exploring with other practitioners. Bring your experience, your
passion, your questions, your thoughts, your energy and your caring to
strengthen the spirit and support in our common quest for deeper learning. Details : Cost : $ 40.00 OSIC members
(includes lunch) $ 50.00 non-members ($10 can be applied to membership) Click here for more
information Click here for Registration Form
Click here for Hotel Information Please pre-register so we can ensure lunch
is provided for everyone. To register, contact Jacqueline Pelletier: By Phone: (613) 748-0173 By Fax:
(613) 749-0662 By Email: jacqpell@istar.ca How to find the Ottawa Athletic Club From the Queensway ( highway 417) Exit at (Approx. 2km from Walkley exit to Club). From the North on From Exit the station turning right onto From Downtown Travel to (Smyth becomes "LE
FORUM OUVERT UTILISÉ AVEC D'AUTRES APPROCHES
À L'ANIMATION" Prochaine
rencontre OSI 27
novembre, 1999 L'Institut Open Space du Canada organise une
journée de Forum Ouvert pour ceux et celles qui utilisent la technique du
F.O., pour explorer l'utilisation du FO avec d'autres approches à
l'animation. Il arrive parfois que les praticien.nes du
F.O. soient appelés à utiliser aussi d'autres techniques d'animation, dans
des processus de courte ou de longue durée. Dans ces situations, quelle est
la place du F.O.? Quand est-il approprié de passer d'un processus à l'autre
et comment s'y prendre? Quelles sont les autres techniques
d'animation que vous utilisez et dont vous voulez discuter? Le nombre de
personnes dans le groupe est-il un facteur important? En d'autres mots… Quels
sont les défis et les opportunités dans l'utilisation du Forum Ouvert avec
d'autres approches à l'animation Voici des questions que vous serez
peut-être interessé.e à explorer avec d'autres animateurs et animatrices.
Joignez-vous à nous et contribuez votre expérience, votre passion, vos
questions, vos idées, votre énergie et votre engagement à notre démarche d'apprentissage
commune. Quand, où : Samedi, 27 novembre, 1999 Coût: $
40.00 membres du OSIC (déjeuner
compris) $ 50.00 non-membres
($10 peut être porté à votre membership) Veuillez vous pré-inscrire afin que nous
puissions déterminer le nombre de repas requis. Pour vous inscrire,
communiquez avec Jacqueline Pelletier: Téléphone : (613) 748-0173 Télécopieur : (613) 749-0662 Courriel : jacqpell@istar.ca Pour vous rendre au Ottawa Athletic
Club De la 417 Sortie Walkley. Sud sur Walkley (virage à
droite si vous venez de la 417 Est, gauche si vous arrivez de l'Ouest).
Droite sur En provenance de l'aéroport MacDonald
Cartier Nord sur la Promenade de l'aéroport,
jusqu'au chemin Heron. Direction Est sur Heron, qui se joint à Walkley.
Gauche sur Walkley jusqu'au chemin En provenance de la gare de trains En quittant la gare, tourner à droite sur
le chemin Tremblay. Tourner de nouveau immédiatement à droite sur (Trajet: environ 4 km). Du Centre-ville Rendez-vous sur la rue Details
and Registration Form Hotel Information Join or
Renew Your Membership Please remember that you need to renew your OSI Joining or renewal is quite easy. Send your name, address, and contact information (telephone, fax, e-mail) along with your $35.00 membership fee to: OSI C/O Larry Peterson |
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