Open Space Technology operates on four basic principles and one law:

• Whoever comes is the right people.

Don't waste time worrying about who could have been there or who should have been there. Whoever has enough passion to show up is the "right people" to get the job done (even if it's just you!).

• Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.

Don't waste time worrying about what could have happened or what should have happened. It is often the case at Open Space events that our agendas and expectations are shattered as we make space for something new.

• Whenever it starts is the right time.

Creativity doesn't happen by the clock. As soon as one person joins you, get to work!

• When it's over, it's over.

If your session is over or your issue is resolved in five minutes, move on. You don't have to keep mulling things over just because you thought it should take an hour. And if you've reached the end of your allotted time and your group still has energy and momentum for the topic, keep it going. Creativity doesn't happen by the clock. (Just be considerate if another group has reserved your breakout space and move your conversation somewhere else.)

and...

• The Law of Two Feet (or the Law of Motion and Responsibility).
  

This means if you do not feel you are learning or contributing to the discussion or activities at hand, you are needed elsewhere. Use your two feet to take you there.

Which inspires two additional roles one can play...

• Butterflies

Butterflies are those people who don't seem to be participating but are just enjoying some quiet time to themselves, taking a walk, stretching or resting. They remind us that there is space for whatever anyone needs to do to take care of themselves. It is often in these moments where we find the genesis of inspiration.

• Bumblebees

Bumblebees flit about from conversation to conversation pollinating ideas and helping people reiterate what they've been saying in new ways which could lead to the next great idea!

and certainly don't forget to...

• PREPARE TO BE SURPRISED!

If you leave knowing not much more than you came with, you will have wasted your time.