When faced with your next challenge or problem, take a step back and look at if from the standpoint of what is good and is currently working well. This positive perspective brings about a whole new set of positive solutions you and your team may not have previously discovered. Use this process to get your organization looking at itself in unique and positive ways. Still, sometimes looking only from a positive perspective may provide predictable but undersirable results.
Appreciative inquiry (AI) is a model for analysis, decision-making and the creation of strategic change, particularly within companies and other organizations. Certain questions must be considered. Do we work with issues or opportunities? Do we build on the positive (what has worked) or do we focus on the negative (what is broken)?
Reflect on these questions and comment. Feel free to provide specific examples to transition appreciative inquiry from theory to practice.