Open Space Technology

Please find attached the Book of Proceedings from Leading Complex Change on Tuesday.  I would like to extend our thanks to you all for your contribution and careful consideration of the many issues which arise in providing leadership during challenging transitions.  There are some very interesting observations and comments which I think you may enjoy exploring. There are also a number of suggestions for further action. In some cases, they will be linked to OSDS support to you all. In other instances they rely on your leadership of the initiatives. Some of the immediate OSDS responses include those relating to:

• Establishing an open space forum on the OSDS website and developing our Open Space strategy for the University;
• Encouraging the development of coaching skills in our university supervisors and leaders through our 2007 programme;
• Introducing a “Sustainable Change” workshop as part of our leadership offerings next year;
• And supporting various groups as they explore the more specific issues that were identified.

We are also transcribing the comments on the methodology for consideration by the Executive. However, I would also welcome your feedback now that you have had a few days away from the event. Three questions you might consider are:

• What were your impressions of the Open Space Technology method?
• What value has the event added to your role as a leader at UWA? (e.g. Did you learn anything new / affirm good principles / find the Proceedings useful as tips for practice / feel the Action Items took us a further step forward etc.)
• Would you like to be part of an event like this in the future?

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the work of Vivienne Blake in designing and promoting the event and in coordinating UWA’s hosting of  Larry and Becky Peterson.  I would also like to convey my appreciation of Elaine Barnes, Angeline Lim and Kenn Martin who provided the technical support that enabled the event to be smoothly managed. And of course, Brendan McKeague managed the proceedings with flair and quiet certitude which set the tone for a very successful event.

Thank you once again for contributing to our inaugural Leading Futures event. I hope we will see you at future events and that you build on Tuesday’s work by using the proceedings and outcomes to further enhance your leadership.

With best wishes,

Professor Shelda Debowski
Director
Organisational and Staff Development Services
University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley WA 6009
Phone: 08 64883845
Fax: 08 64881156
Email: Shelda.Debowski@uwa.edu.au