Open spaces work is an excellent way to connect planning and action, learning and doing, and passion and responsibility. It also strengthens performance and participation. You can apply this approach to meetings, conferences, and workshops with groups of five to 2000 people. You can also use it at regular staff meetings. Learn more about open space and how to implement it in your organization.
Pattern’s Open Spaces
Pattern has launched two new brands: Equal Parts cookware and Open Spaces organization. It collaborated with industrial design studio Branch to create the new products, which feature a minimalist aesthetic. During its launch, the company hosted a panel discussion featuring New York Jets football player Kelvin Beachum. It plans to host one to two events each month.
The founders of Pattern Brands believed in a multi-brand strategy. Equal Parts and Open Spaces were outperforming, and management wanted to build on this momentum. However, the organization debated whether to reposition Equal Parts as a third brand, or focus more on marketing the parent brand, Pattern.
Harrison’s philosophy of Open Space
Open-Space organization is a method for creating collaborative work environments. It is a form of self-organization that values passion and responsibility. Participants are encouraged to check in on their contributions and exit the group when they are done. The result is a sense of freedom and invigoration.
Harrison had many experiences in the space program, including working at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center as a photo coordinator. He coordinated the movements of hundreds of newspeople, escorts, and still, motion, and video photographers. He learned to plan the coverage of an event by observing how other parts of an organization function.
Open Space Technology is a collaborative process that promotes better communication and networking among team members. It is flexible enough to work with a group of five hundred people, and it allows for creativity and efficiency to thrive. Harrison Owen developed this technology in the 1980s and has used it in many contexts since then. It is a highly effective and innovative approach to structuring conferences and meetings, which accelerates clarity and change.
The basic Open Space organization process starts with a circle of chairs in the middle of the room. It also requires signs to identify participants and a blank news wall for recording results. The facilitator provides an overview of the process and invites people with issues of concern to enter the circle. People who are able to contribute to the circle should write the issue they wish to share on a piece of quarter-size flip chart paper and announce it to the group.
Structure of an Open Space meeting
The structure of an Open Space meeting can be adapted to suit the needs of your group. Its participants make the agenda and sign up for topics. The facilitator then facilitates the meetings, keeping the space open and providing a framework for the discussions. After each Open Space meeting, the facilitator compiles a report of the outcomes of the sessions. This report is then shared with the participants, and follow-up activities are planned.
Open Space is a flexible format that works well for large groups. It encourages participants to participate in the discussion and follow their interests and ideas. It can also be used to resolve complex issues. Participants feel rejuvenated and proud of their accomplishments. And because the process is completely participatory, it can work for any group size.
When organizing an Open Space meeting, choose a theme for the session. This theme will help focus the session. Decide what theme feels important to your group. If you are not sure, research a few topics and pick the one that feels most pressing. You can also use the theme in pre-work activities. Regardless of the topic, make sure to make the atmosphere safe and non-judgmental.
An Open Space meeting is a great way to bring people together to brainstorm and solve problems. Using this approach will also boost your productivity and enhance collaboration. By making an Open Space meeting a reality, you can achieve your goals faster and more effectively. A well-run event will foster a collaborative culture and inspire creativity.
The role of the leader in an Open Space meeting is crucial. A leader should trust his or her group and not try to impose his or her agenda. Attempting to impose an agenda will only lead to failure.
Cost of an Open Space meeting
When convening an Open Space meeting, the hosts acknowledge that they do not have the “answer” to a complex issue. This allows participants to freely contribute ideas and make decisions that help the group move forward. Typically, people in an Open Space meeting will sit in concentric circles and discuss ideas in a group format. The host will write down key points from each session, publish them on the meeting’s shared news wall, and end the session with a closing circle where participants share insights and commitments. During an Open Space meeting, every issue is on the table and will receive as much discussion as possible. After the meeting, participants will compile the outputs and take responsibility for the next steps.
Using a portable printer and laptops is a great way to record discussions and share them later. Although these devices can be cumbersome for smaller events, they can be useful for 1.5 or two-day Open Space meetings. A rule of thumb is to provide at least five laptops per hundred attendees. If a laptop is not possible, offer to lend it out to others. It is also helpful to have a form that participants can fill out to record the discussions. Forms do not need to be complicated, but should be simple.
Open Space is a self-organising meeting format that allows a large group of people to engage in a group discussion around a central theme. During an Open Space event, participants identify issues that are important to them. These topics are then distributed among the rooms and timeslots available, and participants sign up for those discussions they’re interested in participating in.
Guide to getting organized with Open Spaces
Open Spaces is an online organization retailer that offers curated storage solutions. The company’s collection includes everything from under bed storage bins to timber drawer dividers. Its products are priced between $20 and $100, and are available as individual items or as a whole home organization set. For added value, Open Spaces also provides a 10-step guide to getting organized.
Open Spaces’ aim is to bring joy to the process of tidying up. The brand was created by Pattern, the company behind Equal Parts. The line is eco-friendly and features products that can be used in multiple rooms and are cute. Pattern’s mission is to help consumers enjoy the process of organizing and maintaining their homes.
