Open Space Technology

I’ve been researching Open Space Technology, a way of facilitating meetings and conferences that is radically decentralized and empowering. It is not a technology in the sense of computers, cars, or warp drives, but rather meaning a tool or a method (see Wikipedia). There is no agenda or plan before the meeting begins – only a simple topic phrased as a question. The facilitator explains the Rule of Motion and Responsibility (Law of Two Feet) and the principles that come from it, and then sits down to let the participants choose small discussion topics, host them, record them (paper, video, podcast, whatever), and then publish the results for everyone else to read. Here’s a photo slideshow that describes how a typical Open Space event unfolds.

I once participated in a conference that used Open Space Technology, hosted by PTEV. It was one of the most invigorating, passion-filled events I’ve ever seen. The discussions that emerged during those two days responded to the question, “What do we mean by the theological exploration of vocation?” Anyone who felt passionate about an idea wrote it on a piece of paper and posted it on the wall, grabbing a sticky-note off the schedule to reserve a time and place. Once all the spaces were taken, we began talking, staying in a conversation as long as it was interesting or we could contribute, and moving on to a new discussion if we were bored. If a conversation was finished, we would disperse to other groups and the recorder would enter our notes into the bank of computers reserved for that purpose. At the end of the weekend, all the notes were compiled and posted online for all to read.

Note: what follows regarding CRWRC is only my own opinion and does not represent any part of the organization, staff, or donors.

Last night while I was knitting I wondered what our monthly meetings could look like if we used a similar process. The topic question could be, “What exciting or challenging things are happening in your work now?” Interested people could post their ideas on the board and reserve a discussion place/time. We could set up 3-4 discussion locations around the office and let people flow between them as their passions and interest lead. I bet the discussions would generate some good ideas about our work while avoiding the boring presentations of tables describing our schedules.

Perhaps Open Space Tech would be more fitting for a strategic planning meeting with CRWRC Lao staff. As part of a conversation between the interested parties – staff, communities, and donors – the process could generate creative ideas that spur innovation and transformation. It would be best for all the interested parties to listen to each other and be willing to change. To some extent the Open Space method asks those in power to lay down their veto pens and be willing to listen and change; just as it asks of all participants to understand that their ideas are part of an ongoing conversation before and after the event, and therefore not binding to anyone. If this balance is achieved without betraying anyone’s trust, then the process will be successful.