Appreciative Inquiry
Have you ever tried to talk a group of people into doing something by telling them – “‘the way you are doing it now is terrible and doesn’t work…. instead, we have to do it this way….” ? No, probably not, because that wouldn’t work! Read on, there is a better way. It’s called Appreciative Inquiry.
We were first drawn to appreciative inquiry for its emphasis on the positive. Often in the nonprofit world we (the collective ‘we’) tend to hone in on challenges and perceived barriers when it comes to strategic planning. This is perpetuated by the types of exercises often used during strategic planning processes, such as S.W.O.T. - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
As an alternative to this approach, Appreciative Inquiry or AI is a collaborative, strengths-based approach to change in organizations and other human systems. The term ‘Appreciative Inquiry’ refers to both the AI paradigm and AI methodology. “The AI paradigm – in itself, this relates to the principles and theory behind a strengths-based change approach; and AI methodology and initiatives – which are the specific techniques and operational steps that are used to bring about positive change in a system. “
This can be best described by the founder of AI, David Cooperrider, in the following quote:
We need to discover the root causes of success rather than the root causes of failure.”
AI arose as a challenge to the ingrained assumptions we hold, that analyzing deficits and predicting future crises is the best way forward. In place of these assumptions, AI proposes that organizations can benefit instead from what is called a strengths-based or affirmative approach (Hammond, 2013). This affirmative approach, in turn, assumes that each human system has a positive core of strengths. This shift from a deficit mindset to an asset-based mindset is not always easy, but the benefits are rather profound.
Moving from a deficit mindset to an asset mindset - using reframing and focusing on the strengths of the organization and its people - will help to generate positive momentum. Discover more about appreciative inquiry check out last year’s webinar on how AI can transform your board! https://www.thenonprofitstrategygroup.com/webinars