Harrison Owen, originator of OpenSpaceTech, recently posted this to the OSLIST worldwide practitioners listserve:
When I see people using Open Space “just” as a meeting management tool, I don’t have much problem in suggesting that there might be broader applications and implications. As I said to an executive of a large multi-national, “I think you need to understand that you have just bought a Ferrari – but you are using it to go to the corner market. The car will get you there, but that may not be the best use of the car.” And when I see people performing at inspired levels in an Open Space and also having fun – only to return to the drudgery of Monday morning where they are miserable – I must honor their choice for sure. But I also feel more than a little sadness.
Chris Corrigan, my co-conspirator and co-developer of the OST training program we’ve run run around the world, reports in from the road, somewhere in northern (i think) British Columbia:
I’m using a whole new way of dealing with the material, more of a coaching type workshop, introduction into the role of the facilitator, logistics, connecting passion and invitation and so on and then some open space to get projects going.
In my own practice, too, I am finding that a coaching approach is most effective for getting into (or get others into) the practice of Opening Space. Can’t wait ’til Chris can fill me in on what he did this time. Sure there’s nothing sad about the results there.