An Introduction to Appreciative EnquirySpreading the Influence of

Partnership Champions

7 May 2009

Is both a Philosophy and Process.

It is a Perspective that can be applied to any organization change process or

model.

Appreciative Inquiry (AI)

Appreciation and InquiryAp-pre’ci-ate, v.,Ap-pre’ci-ate, v.,

Valuing …

• The act of recognising the best in people and the world around us

• Affirming past and present strengths, successes, and potentials

• To perceive those things that give life (health, vitality and excellence) to living systems

• To increase in value e.g. property has appreciated in value

Synonyms: valuing, prizing, esteeming and honouring

Appreciation and Inquiry

• The act of exploration and discovery•To ask questions: to be open to seeing new potentials and possibilities

Synonyms: discovery, search, study and systematic exploration

In-quire’(kwir), v.,In-quire’(kwir), v.,

Value of Positive Emotions

•Broaden attention and thinking

•Undo the lingering effects of negative emotions

•Trigger people on an “upward spiral” of continued growth and thriving

• Culture is formed by the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves.

Healthy, rising cultures are characterised by:• Belief that the people can positively influence

their future.• Freedom to come together in large group

forums and meetings.• Honour for the artistic, spiritual and creative

qualities of life.

Positive Image Positive Action

It raises new awareness that organisations need a lot less

fixing and a lot more affirmation

The notion of continuous improvement has reached

the point of diminishing returns .

What’s Different about AI?

It accentuates the positive.

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world anew.”

Albert Einstein

“The best way to predict the future is to create it”

Peter Drucker

Exploring this theory through our own experience

You have been part of several, if not many, change initiatives:•Where you work, where you live or with your family.•Some of these initiatives will have been more successful than others. •As you do a quick scan of moments when you joined with others to create change, I would like you to reflect on one of those initiatives that stands out as a high point - or as something particularly memorable - for you.

Exploring the High Point in More Depth

• Share the story with your partner: what happened, when and where?

• Describe the feelings you had at that time? What part did exploring or feeling expansive play in your story? Or bringing things together? Connecting? Relating?

• What was particularly special about this story for you?

• What were the results for you and the people you were with?

Celebrating Successnot

analysing failure