"Open Source Meetings" - Elevate The Game

Everyone in the Pool

Stealing a page from open source programming, I’ve created a number of “Open Source” meeting designs. I’ve tested these designs with my clients. They create a high level of participation and a real sense of ownership of the outcome. It is a powerful way to check the wisdom of your team, department, or organization.

The Rules for Open Source Meetings are:

• Everyone’s voice counts.
• Data is collected before we discuss the data.
• Membership is dependent on each individual’s participation and ownership.
• The process is: Collect, Publish, Discuss, Decide, Own.
• Group wisdom determines what gets published and discussed. “Given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow.”
• Building Strategy is iterative. We suggest, we agree, we try, we examine, we make course adjustments, we repeat.
• All decisions are dynamic. We build the ship while sailing it.
• Hierarchy applies in Open Source –input is open and level specific.
• Unite technology and face-to-face meeting techniques to enable the discussion to go deeper faster.

I like to use The Hive to collect the data. It can be in the form of a survey before the meeting, or brainstorming at the face–to–face meetings. I also make extensive use of clickers and clicker technology to poll the group in the moment. Groups and teams respond well to working data in real time. Like feedback though, it is an acquired taste. Using Action Research methodologies like these increase truth telling, build trust, and boost the team leader in the eyes of the team members. Next time you are thinking about infusing your off-site with energy, think about hosting an “open source” meeting.