We don’t describe the world we see We see the world we describe… Appreciative Inquiry We don’t describe the world we see We see the world we describe…

What is Appreciative Inquiry? B A Building on What works

Building on What works

Underpinning theory of AI Cooperrider 1990 Social Constructionist Principle - we make meaning out of our lives and our experiences through relationships and conversation with others. I am linked therefore I am (Ken Gergen) Poetic Principle - we are constantly rewriting and reinterpreting our view of reality Simultaneity Principle - the questions we ask and the stories we share already hold the seeds of change Anticipatory Principle - Our minds are like cinema projectors, constantly projecting images of what might be; and that image has a significant impact on how we behave now Positive Principle - momentum for change requires large amounts of positive affect and people are (innately) positive systems Building on What works

PROBLEM SOLVING V APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY (deficit based model) Appreciative inquiry (strength based model) Basic Assumptions (Hammond) “Something’s wrong” Identify problem In every society, organisation or group, something works “Valuing the best of what is” Appreciate What we focus on becomes our reality. Conduct analysis Imagine (What might be) Reality is created in the moment, and there are multiple realities. Dialogue and design (What should be) Analyse Possible Solutions The act of asking questions of an organization, or group influences the group in some way. Create / do (What will be) Develop action plan (Treatment) People have more confidence to journey to the future (the unknown) when they carry forward parts of the past (the known). Basic assumption: ‘potential to be discovered’ - organisation is a web of strengths to be built on and developed Basic assumption: ‘problem to be solved’ – if we find the problems we can ‘fix’ them If we carry forward parts of the past, they should be what is best about the past. It is important to value difference The language we use creates our reality. Building on What works

Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle Define “Agreement and focus” Shared vision Discover “The best of what is” Appreciate Deliver / Destiny “What will be” Act / Sustain Affirmative Topic Choice Design “What should be” Plan Dream “What could be” Aspire

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