Description of Challenge
People and organisations have a tendency to focus on what is not going well. We
furrow our brows and frown with concern at all our problems. However, usually, the vast majority
of our time is spent doing things that are functioning effectively, and may even be a source of joy
and pride. Maybe 5 to 10% is not so good. How can we acknowledge all that is going well, and
harness this energy, to help us develop further?
“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't
have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey
Solution
the Appreciative Inquiry process involves people telling stories about positive
experiences they have had at work or in groups and distilling the common values and processes
that underpin these (Discover); daring to be bold and developing a ‘Provocative Proposition’ that
embodies the highest potential of the group (Dream); then designing pathways towards its
achievement (Design) and, finally, … doing it (Deliver)! It is a high energy, generative process that
builds on positive prior experiences and leads to the unleashing of creative potential.
References:
Mind Tools , Retrieved March 2015 http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_85.htm
Appreciative Enquiry Commons, Retrieved March 2015 http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu
Developed in collaboration with
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