Virtual Open Space

Objective: Open Space creates an environment that stimulates ownership and encourages exploration of thoughts.

Process

Open Space Technology is a process that is simulating a series of open discussions on themes chosen by the group themselves. We can take this space into the virtual realm too, using the creative energy of participants in suggesting and hosting different discussion topics and reporting back to the team.

1. Setting the scene: Start off with an introduction of Open Space and the explanation of some important Open Space principles:

• The law of 2 feet: you can leave a group if you feel you are not contributing or are interested in other topic. 
• When it is over it is over: reminder that the time-slots should be observed and that it is agreed that we stop although the conversation is maybe not yet over. If you conclude early, close the discussion group early.
• Whoever is there are the right people: appreciate who is coming to your group and what they contribute.

2. Choosing the topics & hosts: Invite participants to suggest topics and ask hosts to paste them on the virtual white- board (indicating the time-slots and virtual links for each topic).

3. Open Space: send people off into groups and ensure that a joint channel of communication is open to reach everyone.

4. Final session of conclusions: report back from all hosts and sharing of written communication with participants via email.

Technical requirements

The use of camera, break out groups

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