Nick Wright
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An appreciated inquiry

2/3/2011

14 Comments

 
I smiled today when a colleague invited me to explain appreciative inquiry (AI), ‘because it sounds like an optimistic approach to problem solving’.

The wonderful paradox lay in the framing of the question itself. AI is an outlook manifested in an approach that challenges conventional problem-solving. It frames issues and experiences not in terms of problems to be solved but opportunities to be grasped. It draws the attention away from problems and deficits towards positive attributes and potential.

Unlike rational analytical problem-solving, AI evokes and draws on the power of positive and vivid imagination. It aims to create a compelling vision that stimulates motivation and drives people energetically forward. It reframes situations by encouraging people to think in fresh ways, to notice the unnoticed, to experience and celebrate the joy of success.

Imagine looking back on a project. Use your imagination to put yourself back into a phase when things went really well. What happened? What did people say or do that made the difference? How did it feel at the time? What do you want to repeat or build on when you approach a new project? What positive platform has the outcome of that project created for the future?

Even those most challenging aspects can be open to reframing. When we felt frustrated, what underlying positive desire did the frustration point towards? What did it reveal about our hopes, dreams, values, aspirations, even if they felt thwarted? In light of that experience, what has it revealed that we want to be more like, more of the time?

Thinking forward to the future. Use your imagination to picture a really exciting and positive outcome. What would be happening? What kind of looks would people have on their faces? What would they be saying? How would you and they be feeling? ‘Imagine...’ The idea is to generate a vision that’s so compelling that people will have the energy to overcome any obstacles on route.

The trick is in not to use AI to avoid, deny or gloss over problems, setbacks and difficulties. It doesn’t intend to build a naive idealism. Where people have experienced or anticipate trauma, frustrations etc and where real problems and blockages have emerged, acknowledge these things honestly and sensitively before moving to explore potential up-sides and a way forward.
14 Comments
Hamish Taylor
21/4/2012 06:13:29 am

An excellent well argued description of Appreciative Inquiry - funnily enough something that I was not even aware of until a few years back when somebody said to me, "of course you know all about AI because it's what you do all the time...". Up until that moment, I was more inclined to associate it with either artificial intelligence or something that you do to cattle!!!
Regards to all
H.

Reply
Nick Wright
21/4/2012 06:14:23 am

Thanks Hamish. Funnily enough, that was exactly what came to mind for me the first time I heard of AI..! :) With best wishes. Nick

Reply
Linda Germishuizen
22/4/2012 01:46:58 am

What I like about AI is that it actually provides balanced feedback which makes it so much easier for execs to accept and handle feedback from their team members. I learnt this the hard way when I focussed too much on what still needed to be done and "underplayed" what the managers did appreciate. Despite contracting carefully with the CEO how he would respond to constructive feedback he was extremely sensitive to input from others.It was a valuable lesson for me.

Reply
Nick Wright
22/4/2012 02:30:00 am

Thanks Linda. You make a good point. Focusing on positives, strengths, achievements etc. can reduce anxiety and resulting defensiveness. This enables clients to face and address outstanding issues from a more energetic and solutions-focused psychological place. With best wishes. Nick

Reply
John Anderson
22/4/2012 03:00:52 am

Nick -- Good article. I totally agree that the use of AI compliments problem solving.

A distinction we make is that AI leads to "Solution Finding" instead of problem solving.

While problem solving skills are necessary and vital to the success of any organization, the use of Appreciative Inquiry can help craft better, more comprehensive long term solutions by leveraging the natural talents of individuals and the success patterns of the company.

Reply
Nick Wright
22/4/2012 03:03:15 am

Thanks John. Yes, AI focuses on leveraging talent rather than remedially focusing on deficit, and on success patterns rather than patterns of failure. WIth best wishes. Nick

Reply
Nancy Zentis PhD
22/4/2012 05:01:04 am

Thanks for your valuable insights on many topics.

Reply
Nick Wright
22/4/2012 05:01:39 am

Thanks for the encouraging feedback, Nancy - much appreciated. Nick

Reply
Helen Askey
22/4/2012 07:38:13 am

Hi Nick, I am also interested in AI, and am going on a practitioner's course in September to learn more, maybe we can compare notes afterwards?
Helen

Reply
Nick Wright
22/4/2012 07:38:46 am

Sounds great, Helen. Would love to hear more. Nick

Reply
Jerald Forster
24/4/2012 01:28:16 am

This discussion reminds me of the common foundation for AI and a process titled Articulating Strengths Together (AST). In both cases, the focus is on what works or what are the strengths that make things work. A book that I wrote, using the AST title, describes a group process where 2 to 5 people help each other articulate their strengths. This process often leads to the development of Strengths-Focused-Relationships, which also operate by articulating and paying attention to each others' self-articulated strengths. More elaboration can be found at: www.strengths-focused-relationships.org

Reply
Nick Wright
24/4/2012 01:29:21 am

Thanks Jerald - I had a glance at the articles on your website and can certainly see the similarities and linkages with AI. I particularly like the idea of a strengths focused relationship. With best wishes. Nick

Reply
Anthony Onyeador
29/5/2012 10:32:23 pm

Nice Writeup. I guess it seems to be imbued into every living person but lack the power to access it during their various "Harsh"moments!

Reply
Nick Wright
29/5/2012 10:35:02 pm

Hi Anthony. Thanks for the note. One of the reasons that skilful coaching can be so powerful is that it's sometimes so difficult to see and experience these things for ourselves, especially when feeling anxious or under stress. With best wishes. Nick

Reply



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    Nick is a psychological coach, OD consultant and trainer, specialising in critical reflective practice.

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