Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions


Book Description

A practical resource for facilitators who want to introduce positive, strength-based perspectives into their work and trainings, this book provides an overview of Appreciative Inquiry's positive psychology and strength-based change methods. Author Robyn Stratton-Berkessel explores basic principles and practices, shows you how to incorporate AI into existing work, and offers practical advice for designing new trainings. She provides a variety of ready-to-deliver workshops on topics such as leadership, diversity, technology, creativity, change, innovation, learning, collaboration, coaching, and team-building. In addition, she suggests how to make the outcomes of an Appreciative Inquiry session stick and what it takes to make these valuable approaches self-sustaining. A first in the field of Appreciative Inquiry, this important resource provides twenty one ready-to-use workshops for facilitators, leaders, consultants, and trainers who want to empower others in creating collaborative solutions. "What you learn in a single book can change everything. Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions is Robyn Stratton-Berkessel at her very best?helping all of us open ourselves to our best selves, envision possibilities, and get in touch with our own and other's strengths. A brilliantly applied book?with over 21 workshops ready for prime time delivery?helping leaders tap the revolutionary power of appreciative inquiry or "AI" for creating value for customers, suppliers, team members, shareholders, and families. Are you ready to walk on the strengths-based side of organization development and leadership? This inspiring volume will propel you upward step by step?it takes AI from concept to reality in an eloquent, empowering, and utterly engaging way." ?David Cooperrider, Fairmount Minerals Professor at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management "Both inspiring and highly practical, this book will be an invaluable and no doubt well-thumbed addition to your library of Appreciative Inquiry resources, whether you are a novice or an experienced practitioner!" ?Sue James, partner, BJ Seminars "Ms. Stratton-Berkessel's work leaves the reader with a clear understanding of why Appreciative Inquiry is such a powerful change model. Those new to Appreciative Inquiry will marvel at her unique explanation of the 'phases' of Appreciative Inquiry. Those more familiar with Appreciative Inquiry will enjoy her explanations and examples." ?Timothy Germany, commissioner, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service "A practical approach grounded in personal experience...[this book] shows that Appreciative Inquiry is not a luxury but a necessity for organizational success." ?Annalie Killian, catalyst for magic AMP, producer of the AMPLIFY Innovation & Thought Leadership Festival, Sydney, Australia




Appreciative Inquiry


Book Description

Written by the two most recognized Appreciative Inquiry thought leaders A quick, accessible introduction to one of the most popular change methods today--proven effective in organizations ranging from Roadway Express and British Airways to the United Nations and the United States Navy Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a model of change management uniquely suited to the values, beliefs, and challenges of organizations today. AI is a process that emphasizes identifying and building on strengths, rather than focusing exclusively on fixing weaknesses as most other change processes do. As the stories in this book illustrate, it results in dramatic improvements in the triple bottom line: people, profits, and planet. AI has been used to significantly enhance customer satisfaction, cost competitiveness, revenues, profits, and employee engagement, retention, and morale, as well as organizations' abilities to meet the needs of society. This book is a concise introduction to Appreciative Inquiry. It provides a basic overview of the process and principles of AI along with exciting stories illustrating how organizations have applied AI and the benefits they have gained as a result. It has been specifically designed to be accessible to a wide audience so that it can be handed out in organizations where AI is either being contemplated or being implemented. Written by two of the key figures in the development of Appreciative Inquiry, this is the most authoritative guide available to a change method that systematically taps the potential of human beings to make themselves, their organizations, and their communities more adaptive and more effective.




Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions


Book Description

A practical resource for facilitators who want to introduce positive, strength-based perspectives into their work and trainings, this book provides an overview of Appreciative Inquiry's positive psychology and strength-based change methods. Author Robyn Stratton-Berkessel explores basic principles and practices, shows you how to incorporate AI into existing work, and offers practical advice for designing new trainings. She provides a variety of ready-to-deliver workshops on topics such as leadership, diversity, technology, creativity, change, innovation, learning, collaboration, coaching, and team-building. In addition, she suggests how to make the outcomes of an Appreciative Inquiry session stick and what it takes to make these valuable approaches self-sustaining. A first in the field of Appreciative Inquiry, this important resource provides twenty one ready-to-use workshops for facilitators, leaders, consultants, and trainers who want to empower others in creating collaborative solutions. "What you learn in a single book can change everything. Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions is Robyn Stratton-Berkessel at her very best?helping all of us open ourselves to our best selves, envision possibilities, and get in touch with our own and other's strengths. A brilliantly applied book?with over 21 workshops ready for prime time delivery?helping leaders tap the revolutionary power of appreciative inquiry or "AI" for creating value for customers, suppliers, team members, shareholders, and families. Are you ready to walk on the strengths-based side of organization development and leadership? This inspiring volume will propel you upward step by step?it takes AI from concept to reality in an eloquent, empowering, and utterly engaging way." ?David Cooperrider, Fairmount Minerals Professor at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management "Both inspiring and highly practical, this book will be an invaluable and no doubt well-thumbed addition to your library of Appreciative Inquiry resources, whether you are a novice or an experienced practitioner!" ?Sue James, partner, BJ Seminars "Ms. Stratton-Berkessel's work leaves the reader with a clear understanding of why Appreciative Inquiry is such a powerful change model. Those new to Appreciative Inquiry will marvel at her unique explanation of the 'phases' of Appreciative Inquiry. Those more familiar with Appreciative Inquiry will enjoy her explanations and examples." ?Timothy Germany, commissioner, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service "A practical approach grounded in personal experience...[this book] shows that Appreciative Inquiry is not a luxury but a necessity for organizational success." ?Annalie Killian, catalyst for magic AMP, producer of the AMPLIFY Innovation & Thought Leadership Festival, Sydney, Australia




Appreciative Inquiry


Book Description

Thoroughly revised and updated, the second edition of Appreciative Inquiry offers OD and HR professionals a user-friendly resource for discovering how they can tap into the power of the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process. An innovative process, AI is an effective way to work with a company as an organic system whose success depends on a holistic approach to connect that organization's human, technical, and organizational functions. This new edition meets the challenge of making the AI process accessible and updates three key areas of the process: the theoretical basis, fundamental assumptions and beliefs, and the basic processes. It includes step-by-step guidelines on how to apply AI in a variety of organizational situations and shows how it can be used with a wide range of initiatives, such as coaching, leadership development, strategic planning, and teambuilding. "If there's one book to read on AI, this is it. It provides the context and rationale for this paradigm changing approach to change at any level of system. Buy it, read it, use it and enjoy achieving great results and renewed energy and enthusiasm." —Barbara Sloan, director, Organizational Development and Learning, New York University, Langone Medical Center "Appreciative Inquiry brings the freedom and creativity of AI together with the 'nuts and bolts' of how to actually do it all. It contains everything I would want to have as a fresh practitioner, from potential designs to sample questions and excellent Case Stories." —David Shaked, founder and CEO, Almond Insight, United Kingdom "This book serves as a complete roadmap for those interested in the philosophy and practice of Appreciative Inquiry. The Case Stories encourage readers to find their own way on the journey by providing examples of successful interventions." —Terry Egan, professor, Management Studies, Pepperdine University




Appreciative Inquiry as a Daily Leadership Practice


Book Description

Organization and team development have increasingly become everyday components of a leader's role. This book is written for informal and formal leaders who aspire to realize meaningful changes in their own context. Changes that will lead to a better performance and at the same time contribute to a vitalizing and energizing work environment. Appreciative Inquiry enables you to work with committed employees and other stakeholders on larger and smaller issues in your organization and bring them forward. Every day, one conversation at a time. This book specifically brings the theory of Appreciative Inquiry to the daily practice of leaders and managers. It contains many practical examples and suggestions that provide inspiration for your own leadership practice. You can read the book as an invitation to start using Appreciative Inquiry right away. You don't have to read front-to-back. The structure in short chapters, dedicated to specific topics or tools, ensures that you can read criss-cross and find a new and relevant angle each time.




Appreciative Leadership: Focus on What Works to Drive Winning Performance and Build a Thriving Organization


Book Description

Advance Praise for Appreciative Leadership: "A must-read for leaders at all levels who believe that both common sense and business sense require engaging and encouraging rather than mandating or manipulating. It may become my most-recommended book." -- Frank Rogers-Witte, Ph.D., Director, Executive Staff Effectiveness, Hewlett-Packard IPG "Building on a simple but powerful idea, Appreciative Leadership offers an approach to organizational transformation applicable to institutions as varied as businesses, universities, church bodies, and health systems. Packed with dozens of stories andsuggestions, it offers key insights translated into replicable strategies for action." -- Jane McAuliffe, Ph.D., President, Bryn Mawr College "The positive basis of power is illuminated brilliantly in this courageous leadership book. Appreciative Leadership touches the heart of leadership--the kind people most deeply desire--in a way that will change lives, businesses, and every relationship you wish to build." -- David L. Cooperrider, Ph.D., Professor of Social Entrepreneurship, Case Western Reserve University "Leadership driven by principles and integrity is more important today than ever. Appreciative Leadership shows how to blend principles of collaboration, quality, and service for both long-term achievement and practical daily impact. It provides amodel of success for a new generation of leaders." -- R. Edward Howell, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, University of Virginia Medical Center The Positive Approach to Leadership That Brings Out the Best in Everyone Appreciative Inquiry has become one ofthe most popular new management tools in business today. Its premise is simple yet profound: Instead of focusing on what's wrong in the workplace, learn about and build upon what works. Dr. Diana Whitney--a leader in the field of Appreciative Inquiry--and colleagues Amanda Trosten-Bloom and Kae Rader bring the next generation of these ideas forward, with practical and proven tools for leadership. Arefreshingly different approach to managing organizations, Appreciative Leadership turns conventional management thinking on its head, demonstrating how to get results with "positive power." All you need are the five "I's" . . . INQUIRY: Leading with positively powerful questions. ILLUMINATION: Bringing out the best in people and situations. INCLUSION: Engaging with others to cocreate the future. INSPIRATION: Awakening the creative spirit. INTEGRITY: Making choices for the good of the whole. This revolutionary approach brings people together, drives companies forward--and takes your leadership skills to a whole new level. Appreciative Leadership shows you how to fully engage your team through positive inquiry and open dialogue--so that everyone feels included and valued, inspired and motivated . . . and ready to work together to win. In this user-friendly guide, you'll discover excitingnew techniques to open up discussions, exchange ideas, agree on a plan, and follow up on your goals. You'll learn simple tips on how to keep your team on track with a can-doattitude. And you'll find satisfying new ways to be engaged, passionate, and present. This book isn't a quick-fix solution to your management problems. It's a full-time, lifelong commitment to your values, your vision, and your connection to others. This is how the best leaders in the world bring out thebest in people, their organizations, and themselves. This is Appreciative Leadership.




Interorganizational Collaboration


Book Description

Interorganizational Collaboration: Complexity, Ethics, and Communication centers around three key assertions: (1) interorganizational collaboration is complex and warrants study as a specific type of leadership and communication; (2) successful collaborative relationships are grounded in a principled ethic of democratic and egalitarian participation; and (3) interorganizational collaboration requires a specific communication language of practice. Interorganizational collaboration is influenced by increased interconnectedness, shifting organizational needs, and a changing workforce. Collaboration invokes ethical questions and ethical responsibilities that must be considered in communication practices and structures. Although there are many popular books and practitioner materials on collaboration, most are not focused on introducing foundational concepts to a novice audience. In addition, the subject of communication in collaboration has been somewhat underdeveloped. The authors focus on communication from a social constructionist stance. One of their primary goals is to develop a collaboration pedagogy based on existing communication scholarship. The authors present communicative practices vital to interorganizational participation, and they view collaboration as something beyond an exchange of resources and knowledge. Unlike group and organizational texts that approach collaboration from a functional or strategic perspective, this text anchors collaboration in the assumption that democratic and principled communication will foster creative and accountable outcomes for participants in collaborative problem solving. The authors articulate a collaborative ethic useful in all communicative contexts. Micropractices of communication are fundamental not only to collaborating across organizations but also to fostering just and trusting relationships. The book discusses the cornerstone assumptions and principled practices necessary for stakeholders to address problems—for example, recognizing and validating the needs of fellow stakeholders; separating people’s positions from underlying interests; listening for things that are never quite said; identifying overlapping commonalities; building trust while respecting difference; and constructively navigating conflict. The book also focuses on building collaborative praxis based on the assumption of contingency. Praxis cultivates knowledge and ethical understanding of a situation so participants in collaborations can make the best decision based on specific circumstances.




The Appreciative Inquiry Handbook


Book Description

In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of one of the most popular change methods in the world, Cooperrider et al. track the recent changes in the field and explain how AI can contribute to sustainability and the triple bottom line. One of today's most popular change methods, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has been used to undertake transformational initiatives in dozens of organizations, ranging from McDonalds to the U.S. Navy to Save the Children. The assumption of AI is simple. Every organization has things that work right-things that give it life when it is vital, effective, and successful. AI begins by identifying this positive core and connecting organizational visions, plans, and structures to it in ways that heighten energy and inspire action for change. This book presents all of the concepts, examples, and aids necessary to engage groups of all sizes in Appreciative Inquiry. The authors provide background information on what AI is and how it works and offer sample project plans, designs, agendas, course outlines, interview guidelines, participant worksheets, a list of resources, and more. This second edition has been extensively revised, updated, and expanded, including new case studies, new tools and supplemental articles, an expanded bibliography and resource list, and an entirely new chapter on case applications. And throughout, the authors focus on how AI can support an organizational focus on sustainability and the triple bottom line of people, prosperity, and planet.




Reframing Evaluation Through Appreciative Inquiry


Book Description

In today's world, evaluators must be flexible and responsive in order to best deal with the ever shifting environmental conditions that they face on the job. While the deficit-based approaches which have shaped evaluation practice over the years are important to master, a newer technique called Appreciative Inquiry offers evaluators an additional, viable lense through which to view their work. Appreciative Inquiry is the search for what aspects of an organization are effective and hold the key to innovation and growth. In this text, Hallie Preskill and Tessie Tzavaras Catsambas-who have integrated Appreciative Inquiry into their own practices-introduce readers to the theory and practice of Appreciative Inquiry and how it related to evaluation. Drawing on case examples, the text explains the way that this particular approach has been used to frame, design, and conduct evaluations in various sectors worldwide, and then goes on to teach audiences how to apply Appreciate Inquiry approaches to various aspects of their own evaluations. Moreover, the work instructs users on how to build evaluation capacity using Appreciative Inquiry. Reframing Evaluation Through Appreciative Inquiry is the perfect guide to this asset-based approach for consultants in non-profit, private, and government sectors, evaluators, and instructors alike. The text is particularly well suited for evaluation workshops and graduate courses which require students to practice evaluation. It is also an ideal supplement to the more general evaluation texts that are typically used in introductory program evaluation courses. Features and Benefits: Written in a clear and accessible style that appeals to those new to Appreciate Inquiry and Evaluation, as well as those who are familiar with one or both disciplines Comprised of numerous U.S.-based and international case examples that demonstrate the use of Appreciative Inquiry in evaluations Includes a matrix of cases to help us




The Appreciative Inquiry Summit


Book Description

Over the past decade Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has rapidly emerged as one of the most significant advances in the field of organization development and change. This book is the first to provide a comprehensive practitioner's guide to the AI Summit-the preferred method when applying whole-scale change to large groups. The authors-four of the leading experts on Appreciative Inquiry-explore the theories of organization change and large-group process on which the AI Summit is based; walk the reader step-by-step through the process of planning, conducting, and following up on an AI Summit; provide a series of case studies of the AI Summit in action; and share essential success factors-what they have learned in their work with AI and large-group processes that contributes to success in large-scale efforts. This book is an essential resource for anyone who works with Appreciative Inquiry, large group interventions, or whole-system change processes.