A Leader's Concerns: Open Space Technology Articles

A Leader's Concerns

Leaders, managers, opinion leaders -- all have concerns when entering into Open Space. ”Should I attend?” ”Will people be candid if I'm there?” ”How should I act?” These are common questions.

Since we are bringing ”the whole system into one room,” we must allow the interpersonal dynamics to play out. Learning to do so in a safe and open environment is a major leap forward.

Following are some guidelines for reflection prior to the Open Space event. All of us would do well to think on these things.
Be yourself -- be human. Participate as a person, not as a boss.
Don't hide what you know or deny your role in the organization.
Contribute your thoughts from your own real-life perspective. For example, talk about your challenges and frustrations as a manager.
Be patient -- don't try to fill silences or try to make sure things go well.
Let the entire group of participants determine the pace and direction of the Open Space event.
Feel free to propose a theme and host a break-out session. Once there, provide the environment for open and candid converstion. Don't try to guide the conversaiton or control the flow.
If hostility surfaces, don't take it personally. It's not meant to harm, even if misdirected at you. Treat it as the venting of concerns by people who have a lot of feeling for the organization and want to improve the work and the work environment.
Don't try to fix anything. Listen openly and undefensively, leaving analysis and problem solving for later in the process.

© CCA 1998

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