Appreciative Inquiry Overview Linda J. Ferguson

1. Appreciative InquiryOverviewLinda J. Ferguson Positive Thinking Leads to Positive Action

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. AI = Shifting Perspectives HALF FULL vs. HALF EMPTY SUCCESS vs. FAILURE HOPE vs. DESPAIR

7. When you Change the way you Look at Things, the Things you Look at Change

9. Research Supporting AI Assumptions Placebo Effect Neurobiology Pygmalion Effect- Self Fulfilling Prophecy Sports Training Risk and Resiliency in Youth Development Quantum Physics

10. Positive Psychology –Martin Seligman • Positive Focused Conversation and Emotions will: • 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

11. A.I. Core Ideas Positive 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

12. Deficit-Based Appreciative Inquiry Changing Workplace Perspectives • Disseminate stories & best practices • Narrative analysis of success factors • Determine our preferred world • Conscious, inspired choices • Reflecting on what we do best • Have Pain – Fix a Problem • Identify the Problems • Root Cause Analysis • Solution Analysis • Action Planning Basic Assumption: Organizations have opportunities to be explored Basic Assumption: Organizations have problems to be solved What you pay attention to is what you feed energy into

13. 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 =Affirmative Topic to explore Opposite: for opportunities and possibilities

14. 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?

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. Applying A.I. 4-D(5) Model Definition Affirmative Topic Choice Discovery “What gives life?” The best of what is. Appreciating Destiny/Delivery “Innovate what will be?” Sustaining Dream “What might be?” Envisioning Results/Impact Positive Core Design “What should be—the ideal?” Co-constructing

19. Appreciative Inquiry: 4-D(5) Model Definition Affirmative Topic Choice Discovery “What gives life?” The best of what is. Appreciating Destiny/Delivery “Innovate what will be?” Sustaining Dream “What might be?” Envisioning Results/Impact PositiveCore Design “What should be—the ideal?” Co-constructing

20. Framing the Questions sets you on the AI journey Questions and inquiry through stories bring out: Strengths and Assets Resources Values Best Practices Traditions

21. “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.

22. 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?

23. “Dream” Step Definition Affirmative Topic Choice Discovery “What gives life?” The best of what is. Appreciating Destiny/Delivery “Innovate what will be?” Sustaining Dream “What might be?” Envisioning Results/Impact Positive Core Design “What should be—the ideal?” Co-constructing

24. New Challenges Require New Thinking First “We cannot solve problems at the same level of thinking at which we created them” – Albert Einstein

25. 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.

26. 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 Action Image Engagement

27. Design Discovery “What gives life?” The best of what is. Appreciating Destiny/Delivery “Innovate what will be?” Sustaining Dream “What might be?” Envisioning Results/Impact Positive Core Design “What should be—theideal?” Co-constructing

28. 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

29. Destiny/Delivery Discovery “What gives life?” The best of what is. Appreciating Destiny/Delivery “Innovate what will be” Sustaining Dream “What might be?” Envisioning Results/Impact PositiveCore Design “What should be—the ideal?” Co-constructing

30. 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

31. 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

32. Remember Positive Thinking ___________

33. 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