Recently I opened space for a group of about 100 people that is used
to Open Space sessions concurrent with conferences, but this time
wanted to move into action. After a day and a half of sessions, just
before the lunch break, I posted a bunch of flip chart pages on the
wall (because I didn't have any butcher paper rolls) to make a big
blank area. I put the OS theme in the middle of the paper. I asked
who in the group was familiar with creating mind maps and many people
raised their hands. I asked them to explain the process to anyone
around them for whom mind mapping was new. Then I invited the group
to create a mind map of what they had discussed over their time
together.
When we got back together in circle after lunch, I reviewed what was
on the mind map (for those who couldn't see it across the room) and
asked for any additions. A few things were added. I solicited
suggestions of how to group the items on the mind map, and circled
the affinity areas the group identified. Then I wanted to find who
had energy to take on some section of the mind map to plan for future
action. I asked for a host for each section, then who would join that
person to work on the area. We allowed 90-120 minutes for the groups
to work, then they reported their progress and intentions to the
whole group before our closing circle.
Afterwards everyone said it was the best OS they had ever had. I
think it was because they finally walked away with something more
than unresolved discussions. ;-) It was one of those ideas that came
to me unbidden as I sat holding the space and wondering what would
work best. (I had another plan but it didn't feel like a good fit.)
I'll try the mind map again.
Diana
Diana Larsen
503-288-3550 www.futureworksconsulting.com
co-author, "Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great!"
Amazon Best Books of 2006
Top Ten Editors' Picks: computer & internet
http://tinyurl.com/ynacvb
Attend "Agile Open Northwest 2007: Agile for Real" January 30-31
2007, Portland OR
http://www.agileopennorthwest.org
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