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Appreciative InquiryAppreciative InquiryOverviewOverview
Linda J. Ferguson
Positive Thinking
Leads to Positive Action
AI is about New Ways of Thinking
“Our styles of thinking rarely match the increasingly complex worlds in which we work; therefore we need to commit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of multiple and more fruitful
ways of knowing. “
David Cooperrider, AI Founder
Overview of Presentation
Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry:- Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts
- Supporting Research
- Framework Shift from Problem Solving to Solution Focused
Examine the AI 4-D model for system change
Key Concept of A.I.
Social Constructionism
* We look at the world from our own filters- shaped by our beliefs and life experiences* We are the culture we come from, those we know, and engage with* “Reality” is not objective but subjective and personal – based on our own experiences and beliefs
Our Thoughts are Energy
What we pay attention to is what we put energy into
Our shared beliefs about what is Possible are central to Appreciative Inquiry.
We can not create new ways of working if we don’t believe they are possible.
“We live in a World of Possibility Curves”DeWitt Jones
AI = Shifting Perspectives
HALF FULL vs. HALF EMPTY
SUCCESS vs. FAILURE
HOPE vs. DESPAIR
When you Change the way you Look at Things, the Things you Look at Change
Research Supporting AI Assumptions
Placebo Effect Neurobiology Pygmalion Effect-
Self Fulfilling Prophecy
Sports Training Risk and Resiliency
in Youth Development Quantum Physics
Positive Psychology – Martin Seligman
Positive Focused Conversation and Emotions will:
1. Broaden our attention and thinking allowing us to access greater capacity and energy.
2. Help us undo negative emotions
3. Fuel our resilience - an accumulation effect occurs helping us manage stress easily
http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx
A.I. Core IdeasPositive Image -> Positive Action
• What we ask determines what we find• What we find determines how we talk• How we talk determines how we imagine
together• How we imagine determines what we achieve
together
Deficit-Based Appreciative Inquiry
• Have Pain – Fix a Problem
• Identify the Problems
• Root Cause Analysis
• Solution Analysis
• Action Planning
Disseminate stories & best practices
Narrative analysis of success factors
Determine our preferred world
Conscious, inspired choices
Reflecting on what we do best
Basic Assumption: Organizations have
problems to be solved
Basic Assumption: Organizations have
opportunities to be explored
Changing Workplace Perspectives
What you pay attention to is what you feed energy intoWhat you pay attention to is what you feed energy into
Problem to OpportunityThe “positive opposite” of the “worst problem”
Problems War Budget Deficits
Sexual Harassment
Low Morale
Opportunities Peaceful co-existence
Revenue Opportunities
Respectful Relationships
Energized and Engaged workforce
Problem: = What has gone wrong?
Positive Positive = Affirmative Topic to exploreOppositeOpposite: for opportunities and possibilities
AI is a Life Affirming Approach
Life presents opportunities all the time. Life organizes and seeks systems so that more may
flourish (eg., progression of beach to forest) Humans are inquisitive, in a constant process of
discovering & creating Humans can choose to create and move toward a
state of greater energy
Central Question: What builds your energy?Central Question: What builds your energy?
AI builds upon the positive aspects of human nature:
• We work best when our gifts (strengths) are noticed &
utilized.
• We work best when conditions for exceptional performance are enhanced.
• We each need to be seen as essential to the group. If we “lift up” meaningful contributions, it creates a compelling guiding image for others
• We build energy for others when people can express and experience their “full voice” about the good, better, possible.
Positive Thinking Leads to Positive Action
Appreciative InquiryBasic Assumptions
In every society, organization, or group, something works. People have more confidence and comfort to journey into
the future (unknown) when they carry forward parts of the past (known).
If we carry parts of the past forward, we can choose to carry the best of the past or not.
What we focus on becomes our reality. Reality is created in the moment that things happen. The language we use creates our reality in the moment and
beyond. There are multiple “realities” – Our reality is shaped by our
past experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. It is important to value differences The act of asking questions of an organization or group
influences the group in some way.
Is that all there is to AI?
Just focus people on solutions, rather than
problems, let them come to their own answers,
and help focus them on their insights?
According to research and case study:
1. that is what the employees want in order to feel empowered and energized
2. this has been successful for hundreds of organizations who have done AI to make significant change
DiscoveryDiscovery“What gives life?”The best of what is.
Appreciating
DesignDesign“What should be—the ideal?”
Co-constructing
Destiny/DeliveryDestiny/Delivery“Innovate what
will be?”Sustaining
Positive CoreDreamDream
“What might be?”Envisioning
Results/Impact
Applying A.I. Applying A.I. 4-D(5) Model4-D(5) Model
DefinitionDefinition
Affirmative Topic Choice
DiscoveryDiscovery“What gives life?”The best of what is.
Appreciating
DesignDesign“What should be—the ideal?”
Co-constructing
Destiny/DeliveryDestiny/Delivery“Innovate what
will be?”Sustaining
Positive CoreDreamDream
“What might be?”Envisioning
Results/Impact
Appreciative Inquiry: Appreciative Inquiry: 4-D(5) Model4-D(5) Model
DefinitionDefinitionAffirmative Topic Choice
Framing the Questions sets you on the AI journey
Questions and inquiry through stories bring out:
Strengths and AssetsResourcesValuesBest PracticesTraditions
“Discovery” as Inquiry
Why Start with Discovery? Discovery helps us inquire into the exceptional moments
of greatness and what contributes to them, so we can expand to create significant outcomes in the future.
When we focus on the positive, we elevate energy and creativity, which provides the springboard to move quickly and more creatively into the future.
Discovery helps us Appreciate and value the Best of What is
We identify the key ingredients of success that made the “high point” possible.
Applying the Discovery Phase
Think about how the Discovery Phase might be applied in your life and work or to new initiatives in your team/dept.
What are the benefits of Discovery in bringing out the best in others?
DiscoveryDiscovery“What gives life?”The best of what is.
Appreciating
DesignDesign“What should be—the ideal?”
Co-constructing
Destiny/DeliveryDestiny/Delivery“Innovate what
will be?”Sustaining
Positive CoreDreamDream
“What might be?”Envisioning
Results/Impact
““Dream” StepDream” Step
DefinitionDefinitionAffirmative Topic Choice
New Challenges Require New Thinking First
“We cannot solve problems at the same level of thinking at which we created them” – Albert Einstein
Purpose of Dream Phase
To challenge the status quo and present assumptions;
To stretch into the future and to envision a preferred future that is bold, compelling and desired by all stakeholders.
The Dream phase Is…
Practical-- because it is grounded in your positive past
Creative-- because it seeks new possibilities
Energy Building - because when the dream is bold and compelling enough you are more committed to action
Engagement
ActionImage
DiscoveryDiscovery“What gives life?”The best of what is.
Appreciating
DesignDesign“What should be—the
ideal?”Co-constructing
Destiny/DeliveryDestiny/Delivery“Innovate what will be?”
SustainingPositive Core
DreamDream“What might be?”
Envisioning Results/Impact
DesignDesign
Design-cont.
A time to close the gap between now and the future
A time to align values, structures and processes with your dream
A time to identify the strategic priorities that enable you to move in the direction of your dream
DiscoveryDiscovery“What gives life?”
The best of what is.Appreciating
DesignDesign“What should be—
the ideal?”Co-constructing
Destiny/DeliveryDestiny/Delivery“Innovate what will be”
SustainingPositive Core
DreamDream“What might be?”
Envisioning Results/Impact
Destiny/DeliveryDestiny/Delivery
Delivery: Making It Happen
A time to deliver on the new images of the future and the dynamic elements and systems created during the Design Phase
It is a time for continuous learning, adjustment and innovation
Create and maintain the conditions for positive change
Continue the dialogue; tap into the deeper story about the organization
Destiny is Ongoing
Revisit & update possibility discussions
Keep asking Discovery questions to note success stories.
Identify and acknowledge High level of innovation
Continue to learn about how organizations and individuals socially construct their experience and the group experience. Especially pay attention to integrating new group members
Celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate when you accomplish parts of the Action Plan
Remember
Positive Thinking ___________
AI Related Resources
Book related to A.I. Watkins and Mohr, “Appreciative Inquiry” Sue Annis Hammond, “The Thin Book of
Appreciative Inquiry” Margaret Wheatley, “Leadership and the New
Science” Wayne Dwyer, “The Power of Intention” Lynne McTaggert, “The Intention Experiment” http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu