See a calendar for Lisa Heft’s workshops and events.

If you do not see a workshop happening at a time or place convenient to you and wish to host this workshop in your own community, school or conference, contact Lisa Heft at lisaheft@openingspace.net

Session / Workshop Description

Do you convene people for staff meetings, community gatherings, planning sessions, conferences or committees? Learn a method for bringing innovation, high productivity, rich communication and collaboration into your work together. Contrary to its name, this dynamic method for convening groups can be done using zero technology, and you do not have to be a professional meeting convener or facilitator to use it. People in all occupations, industries, communities and countries use Open Space Technology for convening groups of 5 to over 2000 for idea generation, innovation, problem solving and a sense of community.

Duration

2.5 consecutive days

Target Audience

Participants on all levels are welcome. The workshops bring together those who are new to the method and those who have experienced it -- an opportunity to share your learning and understanding and to prepare yourselves or further your learning for facilitating your own Open Space. Prerequisite: Reading Harrison Owen's book, "Open Space Technology: A User's Guide"

available at a slight discount off the retail price at
http://www.openspaceworld.org/wiki/wiki/wiki.cgi?ResourcesToPurchase

Learning Objectives

After completion of this workshop, participants will be able to

• know when to use Open Space and when not to
• prepare the client / sponsor for the event and follow-up
• make the necessary logistical arrangements
• open and hold the space
• prepare themselves for facilitation
• know what to do when the waters get rough

Content Outline and Description

• Theory - Chaos, Systems / Self Organization, Human Behavior Change
• Deciding on the theme
• Experiencing an Open Space event
• How does Open Space Technology work?
• The facilitator-convener's role
• What can go wrong?
• Opening the Open Space event
• Invitations
• Themes
• Logistics
• Design
• Convergence or no - various forms
• Book of Proceedings - various forms
• Variations
• A review of actual client interaction binders
• Talking to Client / Sponsor / Host
• Introducing the idea of OST / selling OST
• Is this right for OST, when should/shouldn't use
• Critical things to ensure client will end up saying has achieved true value
• Discussing fee
• Prepping the client
• Follow-up
• Case Studies / Recommendations

Methodology and Process

See the above outline for content; this workshop is totally participatory. This type of facilitation is based on a method originated by Harrison Owen and used by facilitators internationally. Ms. Heft will teach at the same time as she models facilitation in this experiential workshop. Participants will learn via a real Open Space conference as well as role-plays, group exercises and activities and by sharing their ideas for all of the topics mentioned above. They will not only learn about a methodology but also experience being part of a global community of Open Space practitioners.