Appreciative Inquiry

2 Days

Introduction

Organizations can be thought of as living beings made up of the individuals working within it. Appreciative Inquiry has the ability to change the whole organization by changing the people. Through positive questioning people will be directed to move in a positive direction. Recognizing the strengths and values of what works as opposed to what’s wrong will transform the individuals and thus transform the organisation.

Appreciative Inquiry is a shift from looking at problems and deficiencies and instead focusing on strengths and successes. It is a tool for organizational change and it will strengthen relationships. Who doesn’t like to share good positive stories and events? Think about it.

Programme Objectives:

• Understand the meaning of appreciative inquiry
• Think in positive terms and avoid thinking negatively
• Encourage others to think positively
• Recognise positive attributes in people
• Create positive imagery
• Manage and guide employees in a positive environment

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for all staff members who wish to improve their general inquiry skills and learn how to extract useful information from others.

Course Content

Getting Started

• Introduction to the course
• Workshop Objectives
• Pre-Assignment
• Action Plans and Evaluations

Introducing Appreciative Inquiry

• What is Appreciative Inquiry?
• Generating a Better Future
• Engaging People in Positive Thought
• Change the Person, Change the Organization
• Case Study
• Module Two: Review Questions

Changing the Way You Think

• Shifting from “What’s Wrong?” to “What’s Right”?
• It’s Not Eliminating Mistakes, It’s Holding Up Successes
• Positive Language Will Affect Peoples Thinking
• Limit or Remove Negative Phrasing
• Case Study
• Module Three: Review Questions

Four D model

• Discovery
• Dream
• Design
• Delivery
• Case Study
• Module Four: Review Questions

The Four I Model

• Initiate
• Inquire
• Imagine
• Innovate
• Case Study
• Module Five: Review Questions

Appreciative Inquiry Interview Style

• Framing Positive Questions
• Solicit Positive Stories
• Finding Out What Works
• Recognize the Reoccurring Themes
• Case Study
• Module Six: Review Questions

Anticipatory Reality

• Imagining a Successful Future Will Affect the Present
• Controlling Negative Anticipation
• Current Decisions Will Be Influenced Positively
• Base It on Data and Real Examples
• Case Study
• Module Seven: Review Questions

The Power of Positive Imagery

• Shaping Performance with Positive Imagery
• Being Better Prepared for Adversity
• People are More Flexible and Creative
• Think of the Perfect Situation
• Case Study
• Module Eight: Review Questions

Influencing Change Through AI

• Using Strengths to Solve Challenges
• Confidence Will Promote Positive Change
• Inquiry is a Seed of Change
• People Will Gravitate Towards What is Expected of Them
• Case Study
• Module Nine: Review Questions

Coaching and Managing With AI

• Build Around What Works
• Focus on Increases
• Recognise the Best in People
• Limit or Remove Negative Comments
• Case Study
• Module Ten: Review Questions

Creating a Positive Core

• Strengths
• Best Practices
• Peak Experiences
• Successes
• Case Study
• Module Eleven: Review Questions

Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Review of Parking Lot
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations