Mission Control?

Summary: Control is alluring, whether of a scientific process, a neat closed system, a factory floor, or the behavior of a group of employees. Control is antithetical to quality and participation. Even the latest reincarnation of control, process reengineering, is fading, overwhelmed by the chaos and complexity of the real world. Open-space technology may provide the answer for the organization of complex tasks. By convening participants in a circle, identifying significant issues on a shared bulletin board, and proceeding to work out a solution, organizations have successfully generated useful outcomes. Their positive results are counterintuitive to agendas, tight controls, and strict procedures. The open-space approach is limited only by attempts to control the process and outcomes.