My Journey with Liberating Structures: A Path to Openness and Change, by Jonathan O’Reilly

I first became aware of Liberating Structures in late 2018 when a Twitter DM from my partner in crime, Dan Harley, piqued my curiosity. Dan wanted to know if I knew anything about it and if I could connect him with Katy McNeil, who was already experimenting with LS at the Scottish Government. Little did I know that this message would set me on a path of discovery and transformation.

Life, as it often does, got in the way, and it wasn't until six months later that Liberating Structures reentered my life. By then, Dan, Katy, and Kirsty Ellis had set up a face-to-face meet-up, and I was invited to my first gathering of the Liberating Structures Scotland group. This diverse group of professionals from various public services in Scotland shared a common desire: to be more open and transparent in our facilitation of change.

Throughout 2019, I attended a series of meetings with this group, each one dedicated to exploring new structures and helping me build my confidence. It was a journey of discovery, much like my initial encounter with Liberating Structures. I wasn't entirely sure what I was doing, but I knew it was the right path to follow.

As the group grew closer, we began to see the potential for Liberating Structures to create meaningful change in our professional lives. It wasn't just about experimenting with different techniques; it was about fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.

Then came a short break, and as fate would have it, we had to move our meetups online in 2021. The transition to virtual facilitation was daunting, to say the least. Anyone who has managed virtual breakout rooms can attest to the challenges. However, it reminded me of my initial Liberating Structures journey. I might not have known exactly what I was doing, but I was convinced it was the right thing to do. We embraced the opportunities that technology offered to enhance our learning around Liberating Structures.

Being part of this group has been a game-changer. It allowed me to experiment with structures I would have never dared to try on my own. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a world of innovative facilitation methods.

But it wasn't just about the structures themselves; it was about the connections we forged and the experiences we openly shared. These are at the heart of Liberating Structures, and they became the bedrock of our group. We learned from one another, adapted, and grew together, all in pursuit of making change happen.

As I look ahead to 2024, my goal is clear: to develop my own Liberating Structure focused on sustaining and spreading improvements. My journey with Liberating Structures has shown me that change is not only possible but also essential. It's about breaking free from traditional constraints and embracing innovative ways of working. I owe this transformation to the incredible individuals I met through Liberating Structures Scotland, who continue to inspire me every day.

In conclusion, Liberating Structures have been a catalyst for personal and professional growth, pushing me to be more open, transparent, and innovative. It's a journey that began with a simple message and has led to a profound transformation in how I approach facilitation and change. Together with my fellow Liberating Structures enthusiasts, I'm excited to see what the future holds and how we can collectively shape a more open and transformative world.

Jonathan is the Head of QI at NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital, just outside Glasgow. He is one of three facilitators leading the Liberating Structures Scotland meet ups. Follow him on X @jonathano_qi