Rules of OpenSpace

OpenSpace is a small set of rules that allow groups of people to interact in a simple, productive, organized way to create valuable dialogs that address the participants’ most important issues.

The Fundamental “Rules” of the sessions that happen during OpenSpace conferences are:

• Whoever shows up is the right people
• Whatever happens is the only thing that could have
• Whenever it starts is the right time
• When it’s over, it’s over

To lead an OpenSpace Talk:

• Come up with an interesting topic and title for your discussion.
  • You don’t need to develop these before the conference; most of the ideas will come to you during the event.
• Fill out a schedule Post-It for your topic.
• Place the topic on the schedule.
• If you see topics that have something in common, consider combining them into a single time slot.
• If a significant number of people want to attend your discussion and another discussion in the same time slot, try to trade into another time slot to ensure maximum dialogue and participation.

To attend an OpenSpace Talk:

• Check the schedule and sign up for a talk or just drop in if you wish.
• Use the ‘Law of two feet.’ If you feel that you are not contributing or benefiting from a presentation, please feel free to move on to something else.
• Allow the discussion convener to steer his or her topic. If you have an opposing opinion that needs a full time slot you should feel free to add your own OpenSpace slot to discuss the topic.

Advertisement

Un-Conference? Open Space? What’s that?

The Agile Coach Camp is an OpenSpace get-together, sometimes also refered to as an un-conference. It is a simple methodology for self-organizing conference tracks. It relies on participation by people who have a passion for the topics to be discussed. There is no preplanned list of topics, only time slots and a space in the main meeting room where interested participants propose topics and pick time slots.

Prepare to be surprised by the depth and breadth of topics that are discussed in OpenSpace. Each OpenSpace experience is unique in some way. It doesn’t matter if you contribute a little or a lot. And you’ll probably be surprised that you may know something that others may not. Everyone has something to give, whether they know it or not -even if it’s the “beginner’s mind” that asks the right questions.

My Job Title doesn’t say I’m a Coach, Can I Attend?

Absolutely!

Photo taken at ACCNL12

All who consider themselves to be agile coaches, scrum masters, change agents,  if you are in a role where you mentor or facilitate others in your organisation, or aspiring to be any of these: you are welcome.

In addition, what would be even more awesome, is when we meet across communities to create and share ideas. Perhaps UX-people can help visualise activities, make Information Radiators more meaningful? Or Psychologists can help us understand better how the mind works, so we can learn how to create the best teams? Or to learn from Game Theorists what the mechanisms are behind cooperation?

Please join us at http://accnl16.nl/

We look for people who are striving to push the limits in guiding software development teams, managers, leaders and beyond, while staying true to the values and principles at the core of the Agile movement. We invite practitioners who, like you, are passionate about their work, active in the field and willing to share what they’ve learned. Prepare to be surprised! It’s a great chance to form relationships that can last a lifetime. This is an opportunity for us to create a lifeline of professional support for each other.