Working with Open Space Technology

Welcome to the Learning Hub for Working with Open Space Technology (1:1 Mentoring).  This is a Advanced Skill Development Module 1 of the Genuine Contact Program.

This page is the Learning Hub for the module and includes details on all of the components. The components are organized in 3 phases of learning:

  1. Pre-Work: self-study materials to complete between your registration and the first real-time learning day
  2. Real-Time Learning: 1:1 Mentoring
  3. Post-Meeting Work: this work continues your learning after the 1:1 mentoring is complete.

Approximate times for your work with each segment will be provided. Additional information about each segment can be found further down this Learning Hub page.

  • Segment 1: Self-study video focusing on your Business and/or Development Goal. Plan for 1 hour.
  • Segment 2: Learn about Working with Open Space Technology. Plan for 4 hours.
  • Segment 3: Focus on The Planning Meeting. Plan for 1 hour to review.
  • Segment 4: Four Immutable Laws of Spirit. Plan for 20 minutes.
  • Segment 5: Four Principles of Open Space Technology. Plan for 20 minutes.
  • Segment 6: Five Beliefs of Genuine Contact. Plan for 30 minutes.
  • Segment 7: Origins of Frequently Used Tools. Plan for 2 hours.
  • Segment 8: Real-Time Learning. 1:1 Mentoring with an authorized GC Trainer
  • Segment 9: Real-time Mentoring Circle. 3 hours. Date: TBA

 

  • information about the book The Genuine Contact Way
  • information about using and purchasing the Developing Leadership Reflection Cards
  • Resources and recommended reading to support your further work with Working with Open Space Technology
  • Graphics to support your learning and work with OST

Workbook

Every Genuine Contact Program module includes a workbook designed to support your learning both while taking the module and as you being working with its teachings. While each Genuine Contact Trainer can facilitate the learning of a module's teaching objectives as they wish, all workshop participants receive the same workbook to support common learning experiences.

Download the Workbook for this Module Here - you'll need it for Segment 3.

The workbooks, and some additional resources, are available in a variety of languages including Dutch, French, German, Norwegian, Swedish, and Spanish.  If you prefer to work with these materials in a language other than English, please contact Rachel Bolton to find out what is available and request materials in the language of your choice.

Pre-Work

Segment 1: Getting Ready for Your Learning

Suggested Time: 1 hour | For self-study prior to the rest of your learning

Prepare for your learning experience through a series of readiness exercises. Getting ready for your learning might not be something you’ve thought much about before. We believe taking some time before starting a workshop to get in touch with your personal readiness for learning is an important way to set the foundation for focusing and deepening your learning for the best possible outcomes.

This segment guides you through a simple exercise to focus your intention for the rest of the learning package.  The video is 24 minutes and will take approximately 1 hour to view and complete the exercises.

Access the video here.

Segment 2: Learn about Working with Open Space Technology

The video on this page is a complete teaching of the Working with Open Space Technology workshop, as taught by Birgitt Williams. With the workbook in hand (download above in the Resources section), you are taken in depth into Working with Open Space Technology.  Follow along with the video, taking the time to pause at any point you may wish to take notes or to do the reflection exercises.

The video is approximately 2 hours long and will take approximately 4 hours or more to view and process your learning.

Access the learning segment here.

Segment 3: The Planning Meeting (For Your Review)

You will have already watched this segment while watching the video on this page.  We provide it separately here for your review.  As you begin working with Working with Open Space Technology, you may want to review this video to refresh your learning about working with the sponsor in planning for the meeting.

Access the learning segment here.

Segment 4: Four Immutable Laws of Spirit

This video explores the Four Immutable Laws of Spirit by Angeles Arrien and how it can support leadership development and the development of meeting cultures. The video is about 7 minutes long and we recommend making 20 minutes available for this self-study.

Access the learning segment here.

Segment 5: Four Principles of Open Space Technology

This video explores the Four Principles of Open Space Technology and how they can support the development of a meeting culture in any kind of meeting facilitation. In adopting these in a meeting culture, it supports the development of people and their leadership. The video is about 11 minutes long and we recommend making 20 minutes available for this self-study.

Access the learning segment here.

Segment 6: Five Beliefs of Genuine Contact

This video’s focus is on the Five Beliefs of Genuine Contact and focuses on exploring what these beliefs are and how we at Dalar International Consultancy work with them in our work and our lives. The video is just over 15 minutes and we recommend making half an hour available for this self-study.

Access the learning segment here.

Segment 7: Origin Story

This video focuses on the origin of each of the frequently used tools in Genuine Contact. Some tools were developed by Birgitt Williams and others by other authors or traditions. In either case, this video also discusses the importance of the tool within the Genuine Contact way of working. The video is about 1 hour long and we recommend making 2 hours available for this self-study.

Access the learning segment here.

Real-Time Learning

Segment 8: One-to-One Mentoring

Scheduled with your chosen authorized GC Trainer

Having completed Segments 1-7, you are invited to participate in mentoring with an authorized GC Trainer to deepen your learning.  This is an opportunity to reflect on your learning and answer any questions you may have about working with this process. Your mentor will ask for pre-work to be submitted prior to your session, which will include some notes about your learning so far.

This mentoring is organized directly with the GC Trainer who connected you with this self-study material.

Post-Meeting Work

Learning through Application

To benefit the most from your learning, we recommend using your learning from Working with Open Space Technology as soon as possible after your real-time learning. Use it in as many life and business situations that you can find to apply it to. As recommended in Segment 1: Preparing for Your Learning, this is the time of implementing your learning, paying attention to how it unfolds, and then making adjustments to future applications based on what you have experienced and learned so far.

You can revisit your learning materials to support you in applying your learning.

The conversations happening in the Genuine Contact google group can also support you during this time. This ongoing email-based mentoring circle is a place where you can share your designs for working with Open Space Technology to ask for feedback and share your stories about what worked and what didn't to support your adjustments for future applications. You can access this google group through membership in the Genuine Contact Organization. White Level membership is free and paid membership levels are also available that offer additional resources and other benefits. Contact the Director of the Genuine Contact Program to learn more or sign up as a member here.

Segment 9: Real-Time Mentoring Circle

3 hours | Facilitated Group Work Experience | Date TBD

One of the things we believe in all of our training is that having ongoing learning opportunities is critical for learning retention, application of your skills, and continually growing your skills and capacities.

When you have the opportunity to gather with others who have also learned a particular skillset – to share your experiences, wisdom and insights and to ask questions where you still have more to learn – it offers all participants a possibility for ongoing and deepened learning.  As part of our commitment to ongoing learning for your leadership development, you are encouraged to participate in a mentoring circle with a focus on working with Open Space Technology.

You also qualify to participate in all mentoring circles about Open Space Technology in the future. These mentoring circles are offered without any additional fees for participation. Your participation is included in your original workshop registration. Invitations to future mentoring circles are available via the Dalar International Consultancy or Genuine Contact newsletters.

Additional Resources

These additional resources are intended to support your learning and work with Open Space Technology.

To access additional resources for working with Open Space Technology, join the international Genuine Contact Organization. White Level membership is free and paid membership levels are also available that offer additional resources and other benefits. Contact the Director of the Genuine Contact Program to learn more or sign up as a member here.