Appreciative Inquiry: Changing the World One Story at a Time

In October 2010 members of Appreciative Inquiry Consulting marked the tenth anniversary with the first ever Appreciative Inquiry Storython.  The Appreciative Inquiry Consulting community is dedicated to spreading the philosophy and practice of AI around the world. Its members, AI practitioners, are committed to living the principles of AI at work and in their personal lives.

Three generations of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) practitioners gathered around the virtual hearth to share stories of their work and impact using Appreciative Inquiry. Over 30 AI practitioners told stories; we experienced story telling as both affirmation and innovation. Not only did we learn about Appreciative Inquiry; we also learned about the power of storytelling.

Stories Tell Us Who We Are

Appreciative Inquiry is a narrative process based on social constructionist theory. During an AI process people interview each other seeking stories about high point experiences, best practices and strengths, hopes and dreams at work. In so doing, they recall who they are at their best and affirm one another’s stories and dreams. People give voice to what they value, personally and collectively. In the act of sharing stories they co-create their identities and give meaning to new possibilities.

AI’s impact across sectors was evident in the stories told. From Sarah Steck’s “Vital Connections: Appreciative Conversations and Connections between the Dying and their Families, Colleagues and Caregivers” to Deborah Maher and Reed Waller’s “Cultural Transformation in the Department of Justice” to Judy Roger’s “Images and Voices of Hope in the Media” Appreciative Inquiry was used to foster generative dialogue, deep respect and transformation.

Stories Teach Us How to Participate in Community

Dan Saint and Joep De Jong shared a humorous, yet poignant story of “Leading and Managing Appreciatively: A Day to Day Perspective from Business Leaders.” Rita Kowalski’s story “It’s Good to Be Simple: A Smile and a Hello” and Michele Strutzenberger’s “Stories Engage Strenghts, Catalyze Change” both pointed to Appreciative Inquiry as a way of being. Jane Magruder Watkins’ “On the Edge of the New OD” told the story of how AI practitioners have prompted a change in the field of Organization Development, from diagnostic to dialogic, from problem solving to Appreciative Inquiry based.

As we listened to colleagues tell stories of their work the Appreciative Inquiry Consulting community came to life as a group of people who have chosen to live and work in the energetically positive and in so doing use Appreciative Inquiry to create a better world for all.

Stories Mark Change, Transformation and Evolution.

The field of Appreciative Inquiry has come of age. Since its inception in the mid 1980’s at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management it has been introduced around the world and used for large-scale transformation in governments, corporations, schools and the military. David Cooperrider presented ideas about the next generation of AI and at the same time raised the bar for the future in his story “The Newest IPOD: Innovation-Inspired Positive Change.

Other stories clearly illustrated the evolution of Appreciative Inquiry itself, from a philosophy and practice for large-scale change to a process for human and leadership development. Jackie Kelm’s story, “Appreciative Living with Multiple Sclerosis” and Cathy Royal’s story, “Discovering the Divine in Young Women and Girls” touched hearts and minds and showed us the value of AI in fostering human well-being and identity development.

Stories Inspire

The Storython was a living example of the power of story. Ten years of Appreciative Inquiry stories illuminated what we have done, pointed out many lessons learned along the way and gave rise to bold dreams for the future. The power of story enabled the Appreciative Inquiry Consulting community to hear itself and imagine its self growing and serving for years to come.

¹ Whitney, D., Trosten-Bloom, A., Rader, K., Appreciative Leadership: Focus on What Works to Drive Winning Performance and Build a Thriving Organization, McGraw-Hill, 2010, p. 131.