open_space_technology
What is OST?
This is an innovative way of organizing discussions for groups of 12 to 10,000 people, which enables maximum involvement of all people interested in a given topic. The creator of the OST method is Harrison Owen, who noticed that the most effective element of every large conference are coffee breaks and decided to create an event formula that would make maximum use of the potential of all its participants.
OST takes place without speakers, because each participant is equally important. There is no imposed agenda, because the participants themselves indicate the topics and construct the agenda at the beginning of the event.
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The OST Meeting Process
- Opening: The facilitator introduces the topic of the meeting and the principles of OST.
- Agenda Creation: Participants propose topics they want to discuss and write them on a board.
- Topic Selection: Participants choose topics that interest them most and join relevant discussion groups.
- Discussions: Discussion groups discuss selected topics, generate ideas and solutions.
- Presentation of Results: Groups present the results of their discussions to the entire group.
- Closing: The facilitator summarizes the meeting and discusses next steps.
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Principles of OST
OST is based on several key principles:
- Whoever comes are the right people: Focus on those who are present and ready to act.
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have: Embrace spontaneity and unexpected turns of events.
- Whenever it starts is the right time: Don’t force solutions, allow ideas to mature at their own pace.
- When it’s over, it’s over: Continue working on important topics, even if they cannot be concluded within the meeting.
- The Law of Two Feet: Participants are free to move around and join discussions that interest them most.
