The Other AI: The Power and Magic of Appreciative Inquiry

I’m fascinated with the use of positive psychology, especially in business. I’m currently studying Appreciative Inquiry (the other AI) so that I can get certified to facilitate team, group, corporate change that is not only sustainable but appreciative over time. Before I dig in, let’s look at what AI is.  

Developed in the late 80’s by then doctoral candidate, David Cooperrider, along with Suresh Srivastva, Cooperrider’s mentor at the time. Appreciative Inquiry (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 – 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 (Davidcooperrider.com, 2019). 

 
For years, organizations have based change on fixing what is wrong. And when you focus on what is wrong, two things happen:

1. You see more of what is wrong (the red car – when you think about a red car, suddenly you start seeing them EVERYWHERE) 
2. Feelings of shame, guilt, frustration, anger, blame, start to bubble up potentially creating a toxic workplace. 

So, let’s look at the alternatives and the impact that they can have. Cooperrider and his colleague decided to take a different approach and focus on what was ‘working’ within an organization. They found that the inquiry itself can powerfully shape the way we view and develop human systems. And after all, business is one big human system. Even with the explosion of Artificial Intelligence businesses are still organized and led by humans. So, why not make the experience of change and growth positive and inclusive? What might be the results of a methodology and change in thinking from fixing a problem (like a water heater!) to shaping and sculpting a future that everyone is invested in. I choose the latter.  

As always, I would love your thoughts on this. 

Cheers! 

Nina Buik