Embedding Appreciative Inquiry within the system for Re-invention

Most people resist change and aren't natural risk-takers. So how do we challenge the status quo?

That's where Appreciative Inquiry (AI) comes in. I've found it to be a powerful tool for overcoming this resistance and moving them towards Breakthru & re-invention.

Shifting from What's Wrong to What's Strong

Appreciative Inquiry is an action research framework that builds an appetite for Innovation & Change within organizations and individuals. It’s like leveraging the best of what they already have! This is one of my go-to tools during OD interventions to spark innovation in a harmonizing way. Any leader or professional can use this method to harness their team’s potential and strength, motivate and inspire them, and make use of existing resources, rather than creating new ones.

Let’s unfold the 5’D of Appreciative Enquiry

1. Define: Identifying the Topic of Inquiry

Begin by identifying the area of interest to develop. For example, let’s focus on improving the client acquisition process. Frame questions that bring out the strengths, potential, unique propositions, values, and successes of the current process.

2. Discover: Exploration of Stories and Best Practices

During this stage, gather pivotal moments, success stories, and positive experiences from the sales team. Capture narratives, patterns, quotes, and themes to understand what contributes to excellence in the client acquisition process. Here, we don’t just reflect on positive attributes but also identify areas for future enhancement.

Example: A sales rep shares a story about a particularly successful pitch that resulted in a major client signing on. By analyzing this success, the team identifies key strategies and approaches that can be replicated.

3. Dream: Co-Creating Inspiring Images of Desired Future

Through collaborative discussions and creative thinking, the team reimagines and articulates an inspiring shared vision that aligns with the organization’s values and strengths. This fosters ambition, encourages innovation, and motivates everyone to contribute to shaping a bright future.

Example: The team envisions a future where client acquisition is seamless, with a 30% increase in new clients within a year. They imagine a more collaborative, supportive environment where best practices are regularly shared.

4. Design: Innovate Ways to Create Ideal Future

In this phase, brainstorm and devise strategies that align with the future vision. The team collaborates to integrate initiatives into their daily routine, boosting the client acquisition process and maximizing existing strengths.

Example: They develop a mentorship program where top-performing sales reps train others on successful techniques. They also create a repository of successful pitches and strategies for reference.

5. Destiny: Live Your Design and Evolve In It

Once integrated into daily activities, the team sustains the momentum through regular check-ins, feedback loops, creative engagement, focus group discussions, collaborative reflection, shared success stories, celebrating small wins, data-driven adaptation, and adaptive strategies.

Example: Regular team meetings are held to share successes and challenges, ensuring continuous improvement. Success stories are celebrated, and strategies are adjusted based on real-time feedback.

AI generates more mature understandings beyond a simplistic focus on positivity, can help to us to see old issues in new ways, and offer fresh and welcome ways to challenge the status quo.

What did you learn from this framework? How can you apply this to your individual growth?