Stay active with open space

Within the organization, it can be very challenging to remain actively engaged in continuous improvement. It is therefore essential to keep looking together at what is not (or no longer) working well or what deserves extra attention. Take the time to work on challenges and problems in a fixed rhythm. A great method you can use for this is “open space technology” (OST). This allows you to quickly gain insights and solutions together. The notable thing about open space is that the topics and schedule of the session are created by and with the participants when they are present at the location, not beforehand. The schedule consists of several time slots, divided over several rooms.

Important points for organizing an open space for the change program:

• Start with a clear question, theme, or problem for which you want a solution. Choose the theme so that it challenges and inspires. For example, the adoption of agile thinking and working, making a value stream visible, or designing or testing a new organizational model.

• Invite people and ask who wants to think and do along. For the dynamics and quality of the solutions, it is important that people with conflicting opinions participate. Ensure that you encourage these people to join.

• Ensure there is a leader who can clearly explain the theme or issue.

• Ensure there is a facilitator who helps prepare the process, facilitates the process during the session, and ensures that the participants create the agenda and schedule together.

When the open space starts, the following four principles apply:

• Whoever comes are the right people.

• Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.

• It starts when it starts.

• It’s over when it’s over.

Additionally, there is the law of two feet: if participants find themselves in a situation where they are not learning, not being inspired, and cannot guide the conversation in a better direction, they are obligated to use their feet to go to a different session. This “law”, among other things, ensures that participants who like to hear themselves talk are alone after ten minutes. (The others have left.) Another effect is that sessions end when no more value is added – not just when the time is up.

This free way of solving problems together brings energy and keeps everyone on the ball to continuously improve. We are curious about which problems you will use the open space for. Can you, together with the other Amigos, keep your organization sustainably responsive?