ACT

An Introduction to

Inquiry A Positive Way to View Change

Appreciative

All the greatest and most important problems of life are fundamentally insoluble they can never be solved, but only outgrown. This outgrowing process on further investigation to require a new level of consciousness. Some higher or wider interest appeared on the horizon and through this broadening of outlook the insoluble problem lost its urgency. It was not solved logically in its own terms but faded when confronted with a new and stronger life urge. - Carl Jung

It is a Time for Re-thinking Human Organization & Change

Globalization, workforce demographics and technology has created transformational shifts for organizations. With this comes increasing complexity with ambiguous, novel problems and continual challenges for change.

Were also experiencing trends toward creating value through people where the intangibles, such as leadership, culture and relationships make a difference to an organizations bottom line and competitive advantage.

During the next 15 years, we also face drops in workforce growth and the problem wont just be a lack of bodies. Skills, knowledge, experience, and relationships are walking out the door. Therefore, collaboration and knowledge sharing are moving to the forefront of organizational strategies.

Appreciative Inquiry (AI)

Is the study and exploration of what gives life to human systems when they function at their best. Is based on the assumption that questions and dialogue about strengths, successes, values, hopes and dreams are themselves transformational. Suggests that human organizing and change, at its best, is a relational process of inquiry grounded in affirmation and appreciation.

AI

is a simple technique with a complex background. It has been used successfully all over the world to consult with people and learn from their experiences, to involve whole organizations in change and development and to build a vision for the future that everyone can share and help put into practice.
Appreciative

Inquiry is a technique that can easily be learned and adapted for a range of situations. It is an approach that involves and engages people. It encourages listening and communication skills and above all it empowers individuals and demonstrates respect for each others views.

Problem Solving vs. AI

Problem Solving
Problems Glass half empty Problem-driven Critical thinking Resistance Using others Professionally directed

Appreciative Inquiry
Possibilities Glass half full Vision-led Generative thinking Energy Collaborating with others Self-directed, groupdirected Learned - by example

Taught - as admonitions

The questions we ask... . are fateful

What problems do you experience in your work? What is lacking in company personnel policy? What problems are you having? Dont drop the ball. Under what circumstances are you most productive?

What aspects of company personnel policy are particularly effective? What possibilities exist that we have not yet considered? Catch the ball.

4-D Cycle
Affirmative Topic Choice Discovery What gives life?
(The best of what is)

Appreciating

Destiny How to empower, learn, and adjust/improvise? Sustaining

Positive Core

Dream What might be?

(What is the world calling for)

Envisioning Results

Design What should be--the ideal? Co-constructing

The Four Ds of AI
Discovery
What exists?

Dreaming
What might be?

Discovery

Dreaming

Design
What can be done?

Destiny
Lets just do it!

Destiny

Design

The Journey Ahead

The journey will only be as meaningful as the people who travel within it

Focus on the positive

Decline the negative

Summary
We can decide what to focus on in our organizations. We can focus on what is perceived to be broken or we can choose to inquire into the life giving, positives of our work. Our shared beliefs about what is possible will shape our images & behaviors. By getting everyone involved with positive images, thinking and conversations into the strengths of the organization, the system can transform itself!