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Open Space Technology -- Opening Outline
By Peggy Holman
Open Circle Company
While it comes out differently every time I open a space, here's my starting point. I still read through this at least once as part of my preparation.
- Welcome; Create space
- [Brief introduction by sponsor]
- Introduce myself, honored to be here
- Sit back, take a deep breath, if you like close your eyes and think about a time when [theme] made a difference in your life (e.g., when the arts made a difference…). What was happening? Who was involved? What made it so powerful? How has it affected the way you relate to the [theme] today?
- Ask people to open their eyes, look around the circle as I begin walking the circle
- Look around and know there are many powerful stories about the [theme] in this room. And the skills, ability, knowledge,...caring are in this room to truly make a difference
- State the theme
- State it clearly, succinctly and provocatively (e.g., create the organization you really want to work in)
- Expectations for outcome (e.g., get as specific as you can so that you can leave here and act)
- Constraints and commitments (e.g., Rich [the sponsor] will support you in anything you come up with within his span of control; he will work with you to make happen anything that involves contractual, budget or crosses department lines in service to customers)
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