Appreciative Inquiry is the method of introduction of organizational changes for the development of an organization and its effective functioning. The ideas that emerge during the process are the result of active cooperation of all those involved in the task. Applied ideas are put into effect by the team that has created and approved them. This approach is quite different from classic problem solving. It is not looking for causes and solutions, but appreciates all the positive features that processes bring, and searches for innovative improvements to these. The Business Matters website offers 5 ways to support changes thanks to this "appreciative" approach:
1. Discover the reasons for past successes
Have a team discussion about what you have achieved together and how this success can be transferred to the current project. Creative thinking is usually stimulated by discussions starting with a question. So what are you waiting for?
2. Tell stories
Discussions seeking the reasons for past successes often evoke interesting and yet untold stories on the topic that promote further creative thinking.
3. Use generative questions
Generative questions should contain especially an element of novelty and surprise. They should also be somehow relevant in order for participants to share their feelings. For example, you can ask for finding all the positives in a completely negative situation.
4. Have a common dream
Together, remove yourselves from the present and focus on the future. You do not need to think like sci-fi writers, where humankind will be in a few decades time. Create your own aspirations, which you will try to reach within a short time frame.
5. Start to fulfil a common vision
At the end of the AI workshop you have a clear - or at least clearer - image of the goal and the master plan. As a manager, you have to maintain cohesion of the team, which should receive permission to carry out the planned changes.
The Appreciative Inquiry method may sound like an optimistic fairytale ignoring any negative facts. However, try to support the creativity of your employees with positive perceptions and see how many ideas lie inside their heads. Optimistic thoughts rather encourage innovative ideas.
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