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Appreciative Inquiry
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Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative Inquiry is an approach that focuses on identifying and building on the strengths and successes of an organization or team.
Definition
Daniel Wirtz
Co-Founder, Facilitator School
Last updated
June 14, 2024

Appreciative Inquiry, often abbreviated as AI, is not just a method but a way to approach organizational change that emphasizes the positive and what is working well, rather than focusing solely on problems or deficits. This approach is based on the assumption that the questions we ask will focus our attention in a particular direction. So, when you ask about successes and strengths, you prepare the ground for more of the same.

By engaging groups or teams in asking affirming questions about times when they were at their best, Appreciative Inquiry facilitates positive dialogue and builds on core strengths. This in turn helps in envisioning a shared future aligned with these strengths. It is particularly powerful in harnessing the positive potential of a group, transforming it into a dynamic force for organizational improvement.

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Appreciative Inquiry

What are the key principles of appreciative inquiry?

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The key principles of Appreciative Inquiry hinge on four pillars: Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny.

  1. In the Discover phase, you explore and identify what works well in your organization.
  2. Next, in the Dream phase, you envision what could work well in the future.
  3. Design involves planning and prioritizing the processes that can make these dreams a reality.
  4. Finally, Destiny focuses on the implementation of these designs to sustain change.

This methodology encourages a positive mindset and collaborates to not only solve problems, but to elevate the existing strengths of the organization.

Where can you apply appreciative inquiry?

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Appreciative Inquiry can be applied in various settings, including corporate environments and personal growth. In business, it helps in team building, strategic planning, and enhancing organizational culture. On a personal level, it aids in self-improvement and relationship building by focusing on one's strengths.

How should you use appreciative inquiry?

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To effectively use Appreciative Inquiry, start with a clear objective of what you wish to improve or transform. Gather a diverse group of stakeholders who are directly affected by the issue or are part of the system. Facilitate a session where you guide them through the four D's: Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny. Encourage open and positive discussions to identify what works, envision new possibilities, design strategies to achieve these possibilities, and finally, commit to actionable steps that ensure these changes last.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of appreciative inquiry?

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Advantages of Appreciative Inquiry include its ability to build positivity, enhance motivation, and foster engagement among participants by focusing on strengths and successes. It creates a supportive environment where creative solutions are welcomed.

However, there are disadvantages too, such as the potential for overlooking serious issues or failures that need addressing because of its focus on the positive. There is also the risk of AI becoming a superficial exercise if not facilitated deeply and effectively, where participants might feel their concerns are not adequately addressed.

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