This critical component, in turn, points to one other structure that is introduced at the end of the Open Space meeting: all or most of the small groups report to the whole group on follow-up activities. If one of the assumptions I listed above is accurate—that passion is inherent in the topics being addressed– then this passion (shared by Open Space participants) should extend beyond the Open Space meeting. The passion should motivate continuing attention to the issues being identified and addressed at the Open Space meeting. Without extensive formal monitoring, follow up activities should “self-organize” and important actions should emerge from this collateral organization.
Along with other collateral organizations, the Open Space format can produce startling results and yield needed reform in the way that intractable problems are being viewed and either managed or resolved. The fresh breeze of freely generated ideas, perspectives and practices just might circulate around an existing organization or community following a Future Search or Open Space meeting. This fresh breeze might be welcomed as it swirls around the heads and hearts of those living and working in the organization or community. It should also be noted, however, that heads and hearts might be troubled by this breeze. Members of the organization or community might remain intransigent and resentful of the “non-realistic” outcomes of this “chaotic” and wasteful collateral meeting. Thus, the new viewpoint might be both welcomed and rejected.
We have indeed found that participants in many collateral organizations face ambivalent attitudes when they return to their home organization or community. Nevertheless, long after the Open Space (or Future Search) meeting concludes, its participants (and those affiliated with the participants) might find that the breeze of freedom continues to blow in their face or gentle blow against their back. They are prepared for the ambivalence and are likely to be persistent in their attempts to bring about reform in their organization or community. Unlike those who gather ideas from the passive attendance at a traditional conference or training program, the participants in collateral organizations are actively involved in the creation of the new ideas and are engaged in co-active learning with other participants. They are likely to ensure that the breeze of Freedom continues to circulate in their organization or community. However, is this enough?
Breeze From Under Me That Lifts Me Up
There is a poignant love song written about the “wind beneath my wings.” The lyrics to this song speak of the often-unacknowledged support that other people in our life provides. This is support that helps lift us up toward some life achievement. The wind is there even when we falter and lose hope. It is there when we need to learn new and perhaps painful lessons about our own competencies and realities of the world in which we are operating—especially the realities of VUCA-Plus.
