Appreciative Inquiry: What is it?
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Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is sometimes called a positive revolution in
change. It is a simple technique with a complex background. David
Cooperrider and colleagues at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio,
first developed the term Appreciative Inquiry in the mid 1980s.
Since then AI has been used successfully all over the world to consult
with people and learn from their experiences, involve a whole organisation
or community in change and development, and build a vision for the future
that everyone can share and help put into practice.
Many of us think our resources are limited, which limits us in achieving
our goals - in reaching those horizons we feel we can only dream about. One
of the underlying principles of Appreciative Inquiry is that we have within
us all the information and resources we need to renew our workplaces, our
communities and ourselves.
This is very different from more traditional approaches that rely on an
outside "expert" to come in, recommend or implement solutions and
leave.
Appreciative Inquiry and Problem Solving
Another difference is the contrast between Appreciative Inquiry and
traditional problem-solving methods. Instead of beginning with the question
What are the problems we are facing here? we start from What is
working best for us right now?
Appreciative Inquiry is based on the idea that we do have a choice about
how we see the world and act upon it. We can focus on problems, deficits
and needs - the traditional problem solving approach. Or we can focus on
what is best about our current situation, looking for assets, potential and
possibilities.
The problem-solving approach certainly has its place and can be a very
helpful strategy. However when people, organisations or communities focus
only on problems, they may find themselves responding to crisis after
crisis. Responses can be fragmented, as they are constantly "putting out
fires" or implementing one isolated strategy after another. This approach
sometimes can also lead to the "blame-game" and further fragmentation of
responses.
Instead of looking at what is not working, if we ask questions to
encourage stories that highlight and explore
what works, the answers
can point the way to further success and growth. By focusing on what's
right rather than what's wrong with an individual, organisation or
community, Appreciative Inquiry generates enthusiasm and energy. It can
help us find the confidence and commitment we need to reach those new
horizons - to achieve an improved vision for the future.
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