Open Space Technology
Open Space Technology (OST) is an event format used in meetings of 5 to 2,000 people, invented by Harrison Owen in 1985. Participants create the agenda for themselves and facilitators lead and record the resulting discussions.
✓ Created by former KPMG & McKinsey consultants
What You'll Achieve with the Open Space Technology Workshop
Real outcomes that transform your team
All relevant issues are included in the agenda.
High levels of ownership over outcomes among participants.
Comprehensive documentation of discussions and next steps.
When to Use the Open Space Technology Workshop
Perfect for these situations and team challenges
When facing complex problems requiring diverse input from a large group.
To foster shared ownership of outcomes in an organization.
How the Open Space Technology Workshop Works
A step-by-step breakdown of the workshop process
1Start-of-the-day Process (with the twist)
Gather participants, explain Open Space, present a pre-prepared schedule, invite new issues, add them if supported, and begin sessions with participant sign-ups.
2Start-of-the-day Process (without the twist)
Gather participants, explain Open Space, ask for issues to be raised, add sufficient topics to the schedule, and allow participants to sign up for sessions.
3Process for a Session
Arrange chairs in a circle, welcome the group, introduce the topic, facilitate discussion, record key points, and allow participants to move freely before concluding the session.
Key Topics Covered in the Open Space Technology Workshop
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Do it Yourself
Perfect for facilitators, leaders and managers
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