Appreciative Inquiry

"No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world anew".
~Albert Einstein
What is Appreciative Inquiry (AI)?
It is a change strategy that promotes full participation through questions in order to tap the strengths, successes, values, hopes and dreams and to inspire collaborative action that will serve the whole.

Sample Appreciative Inquiry questions include the following:
• What is it that you value most about yourself and/or the organization?
• What are the core factors that give life to this organization when it is at its best?
• If you were granted three wishes for the future of this organization, what would they be?
AI is based on research that people and organizations move in the direction they are focusing on. When the focus is on the "positive", change is quick and enduring. In addition, people are more effective with decision-making, increase learning capacity, more likely to envision new potentials and become energized to take action.

How does it work?

The process is conducted by appreciating (valuing and recognizing) and inquiring (exploring and discovering) through carefully crafted questions that move participants through four stages of co-creating the future.
Discovery: Finding out what works and when are we at our best ~ by appreciating.
Dream: Imaging what might be or how could it be better ~ by envisioning.
Design: Determining what should be, the ideal, and how are we going to get there ~ by co-constructing.
Destiny: Creating what will be and committing to action ~ result, sustaining.
How can it be applied? Appreciative Inquiry can be used in the following:
Organizations; strategic planning, leadership development, morale and retention, organization design, customer satisfaction, business improvement.
Community Development; participatory reform, education reform.
Small group development; team development, business development, meeting management.
Personal/relational Transformation; Leadership development, performance appraisal, employee orientation, career planning.

I am a certified AI practitioner through the Corporation for Positive Change. I have used Appreciative Inquiry to assist organizations make positive changes in teambuilding, strategic planning, integrating services and board/staff planning retreats.
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"We liked the positive aspect and focus of moving forward and not getting stuck in the muck. Kathy involved a planning committee made up of staff and board to explain the process and develop options for possibilities. The unexpected gift is the 'longevity' ~ people keep referring to the board/staff retreat. It has developed its own language."

~Gaye Weiss, Family Center Executive Director, Durango, CO
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For more about Appreciative Inquiry log onto Appreciative Inquiry Commons

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