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