I've been swamped with requests to open space since my training last spring - our organization is embracing the method as a better way to work together. (Unfortunately, my other work has kinda slid to the back burner.) I'm so passionate for opening space that I want to spread it around the organization more than one person can possibly do alone. The health care climate in Canada is in a sad state - chronically underfunded, demoralized and in the midst of a major staffing crisis. Hence, there are huge challenges with both trying to get groups of people together in open space for a satisfying amount of time and with funding the process.
Long story short, our organization is desperate for more trained internal facilitators. We've considered bringing in an external expert to train facilitators, but the costs are prohibitive. Despite some trepidation, I have offered to lead a training session as long as everyone clearly understands that I've only been doing the method for a few months (albeit, about one OS per week since that time), so am clearly not a seasoned "expert", but rather a learner in the process. Since we are trying to grow a learning organization in Capital Health Region, this seems to be a good fit. I've used my training with Harrison as a basic template, but then synthesized the Moscow Training with it to build a training specific to the realities of our work environment. Since I don't want to be considered the expert, I've eliminated almost all of the "talking head" stuff and decided the best way to learn is to experience and have the opportunity to discuss. All the trainees have participated in at least one Open Space and all have been provided with Open Space Technology - A User's Guide and will be expected to have read it. On the first evening we'll briefly visit some of the theoretical framework around which Open Space evolved and then the rest of the sessions (3 days) will be in held in open space. For the first two days, we'll open space on the theme of using OST to transform our organizational culture (or some such thing - I'll give the group the opportunity to decide on a theme). We'll have convergence the second afternoon. That evening (we'll be going from 0900-2100), we'll open space on the role of the facilitator. I plan to divide the large group (30) into two smaller sessions. I have recruited some other OST aficianados to be the invisible resource for those groups. The smaller groups will divide into really small groups (5) in order that everyone who chooses to can walk through the process. Each small group will critique and support the skills of those within their group. We'll have convergence the next morning and then spend some time on nuts and bolts as well as the practical logistics of setting up OST sessions in our organization (where to book space, computers, flip charts, felts, etc, the importance of offering food, etc, etc). The intent of this training is partly to learn the method, but largely to build an internal supportive community of OST facilitators who will continue to learn from one another long after the training is over. We intend to meet monthly to share stories about opening space and to learn from each others' successes and mistakes - sort of a mutual mentoring arrangement. We're hoping to get something set up on our intranet for ongoing interaction. I guess the main thing I've learned since doing the training with you spring is that opening space is truly a learning journey, that every session is unique and that in every session I WILL screw up in some way and learn something!!!! I'd like to thank Harrison for his amazing generosity in allowing me to plagiarize shamelessly from the training manual. I'd also like to invite any suggestions from others in the group who might be able to offer me some tips! I have a very passionate group who are keen to get on with transforming our organization of about 10,000 employees spread over 30 sites. The training takes place next week - wish us luck!! Laurel. Laurel Doersam Human Resource Consultant (Employee Wellness) Capital Health Region Victoria BC * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html =========================================================== osl...@egroups.com To subscribe, 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign up -- provide an email address, and choose a login ID and password 3. Click on "Subscribe" and follow the instructions To unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@egroups.com: 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign in and Proceed