“The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.” -Peter Drucker
There are two basic approaches when it comes to analysis and improving performance. We can focus on what is wrong and broken, then plan on ways to improve. Or, we can focus on what we are doing right and find ways to do that more.
Appreciative Inquiry takes the second approach. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong and asking “Why and how did we fail?” Appreciative Inquiry focuses on what works and, by doing so, accentuates the positive. After all, the questions we ask focus our attention in a particular direction. Power flows where the attention goes!
Developed at Case Western Reserve University, Appreciative Inquiry advocates for inquiry into the best of what is, in order to imagine what could be. Thus, bringing about positive and true change and improvement…without coercion.
Learn about…
- Turning new and challenging circumstances into golden opportunities
- The 4D Cycle Model and flow of questions
- The art of the question
- Reframing
- How to carefully craft the best possible positive questions
- The 5 Phases of Appreciative Inquiry
- Sample questions that will help in your quest for personal improvement
- How to focus on the positive and foster Appreciative Inquiry in your work and life