A wise woman and I were discussing appreciative inquiry. After our discussion, I was curious for a refresher and began to re-familiarize myself.
You can find a definition of AI here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appreciative_inquiry
Essentially, AI is about the search for the best in people, organizations, and the relevant world around us and that all is a part of a living system. There is a belief that every living system had vast untapped capabilities.
If AI involves the art and practice of asking questions that influence the living systems to apprehend anticipate and heighten positive potentials, it therefore has the potential to lead to creativity, innovation, discovery and destiny.
The AI model utilizes a cycle of 4 processes: focusing on discovery, dream, design and destiny.
If organizations want to imagine possibilities and potential, coaching needs to be a coherent part of the culture to build a strengths-based organization. I see exploration of strengths, successes, values and hopes as key for organizations to truly transform themselves.
What thoughts surface as you ponder AI and coaching?
Angie – I find this particularly interesting in light of the differences between the generations. I think that Appreciative Inquiry will necessarily become a much more integral part of the coaching process as the newer generations move into leadership roles. Separately, those that are coaching these new generations may find it worthwhile to develop skills in this area to truly develop these new leaders. Very interesting topic!