Appreciative Inquiry The 4-D Process COS 4850 From: Whitney & Trosten-Bloom (2003) The Power of Appreciative Inquiry Berrett-Koehler

Topic Choice The choice of topic for the 4-D process The questions we create, or co-create, will change our perspective, relationships, values, and our world. Genius is in creating the question. “What would the universe look like if I were riding on the end of a light beam at the speed of light?” Albert Einstein

Topic Choice Topic choice is critical to success. Remember, we will become what we choose to study!

Topic Choice Enhanced Profitability Discovering new business Customer retention Customer Service going above and beyond delighting the customer

Topic Choice Strategic advantage Being the best Creative growth potential Employee retention Happiness at work On-the job learning

Topic Choice Educational excellence Moments of inspiration

Topic Choice Who selects the topic? What topics will we study?

Topic Choice Topics are positive Topics are desirable Topics stimulate learning Topics stimulate discussion about desired futures

Topic Choice Core questions Tell me about a high point in your professional life when you felt most alive, most engaged, and really proud of yourself and your work. Without being humble, what do you value most about yourself, your work, your career, your team, your organization?

Topic Choice What are the things that give life to this organization when it is at its very best? If you woke up tomorrow morning and this organization was vital and healthy what would it be like?

Topic Choice A process for selecting topics Provide overview of AI Identify themes Share stories Discuss potential topics Cluster and select topics

Discovery Who will craft the questions and guide? Who will we interview? Who will conduct the interviews? What training will the interviewers need? Who will make meaning of the data? How will we communicate stories and best practices?

Discovery Craft appreciative interview questions Develop an interview guide Create an interview plan Communicate the strategy Train interviewers Conduct interviews Disseminate stories and best practices Map the positive core

Discovery Good interviews flow naturally and have a conversational quality. They invite stories. They touch people’s heart and soul. They draw on experiences in life and work. The focus us on a series of powerfully positive experiences.

Discovery They give people room to explore. Invite an inner journey. Paint positive pictures. Have a logical flow to them. Give free reign to imagination. Suggest action.

Discovery Interview guides Overview This is how we will proceed and how the information will be used. Set the stage Tell me about your beginnings with the organization. What do you value most about your association with.

Discovery Interview Guides Topic questions Reflect the affirmative topics selected Concluding questions What are the core factors that give life to _____? Five years from now this organization is being recognized for excellence, why?

Discovery Summary Sheets Record stories and information Quick Action Sheets Items for immediate attention

Discovery Stories are powerful. Our organizations and culture rely on stories to communicate conventions and meaning.

Dream Whom should we involve? What experiential activity will reveal our images of the future? What will be the outcome of our dream?

Dream Get the voices in the room!

Dream Activities Guided imagery Reflection Drawing Mind-mapping Painting Acting Singing

Dream Reflect on a focal question Imagine we are 10 years in the future. We are where we want to be. What does it look like? How do people act, how do they live, what do they value?

Dream Engage in a dream dialog Sharing the dreams that emerge Clarify the collective dream What have you heard others share? What does it look like?

Dream Creatively Enact the Dream Skits, stories, songs, poems Determine Common Themes Identify threads and similar visions Create an Organization Dream Map A mural, a book, an archive of the collective dream

Design Give form to the the expression of human creativity and enable the realization of aspirations.

Design What are we designing? Who needs to be involved? How do we describe our ideal organization?

Design Organizational design Work processes Partnerships or relationships Principles of leadership, service, satisfaction Values

Design A statement or picture of the ideal organization Narrative statements proposing an ideal Stretch the organization Use vivid positive imagery Statements of belief that constitute the ideal organization

Design Everyone who touches this organization feels welcome and valued. We honor and cherish the diversity of our clients, co-workers, partners, and our community. When we become involved in someone’s life, opportunities are realized, dreams become reality, and healthy, fulfilling lives are the result.

Destiny How will we learn about the gains we have already made? How will we celebrate? What are the parameters of self- organized action? How shall we self organize? How will we support success?

Destiny Review, communicate, and celebrate accomplishments Generate a list of potential actions Self-organize for inspired action projects Support the success of projects Systematic application of appreciative inquiry

Destiny Celebrate Along the Way Tell me about the good things that have happened since we began this process Ideas for Action Tangible, exciting opportunities

Destiny Expand the application of appreciative inquiry Self-organize for action New teams, processes, ways of working Establish a Supporting Infrastructure Advisory Teams Team Leaders

Summary By liberating people’s power appreciative inquiry enhances an organization’s capacity for positive change.