An Introduction to Appreciative Enquiry Spreading 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 Inquiry 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.,

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 Success not analysing failure