Curiosity and Appreciative Inquiry

A recent Viking travel video invited us to be curious. As it turns out, we’ve been learning what we already knew. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a valuable tool when exploring an issue or opportunity. David Cooperrider and Diana Whitney promoted this approach of inquiring into strengths in an organization. In their book, “Appreciative Inquiry, a Positive Revolution in Change”, they introduced many leaders to this idea. Indeed, see what is strong and positive in what is right in front of you.  For instance, when you look at an acorn, do you also see the tree it will become? Appreciative Inquiry helps us to discover what is good and strong. And, Curiosity and Appreciative Inquiry belong in your tool box. (We can help with that.)

What our Students Learned

Students in our “Growing Leaders” program, completed AI projects. In some cases they produced recommendations for their teams.  In others they introduced significant change. Furthermore, they learned to use open ended questions, with out bias and judgement, to gain great insight. You too can cultivate a spirit of curiosity. It will serve you, and others very well in discovery.

The students tackled such issues as generations working together better. They improved efficiency in processes. And, they created better communication. Many assumptions proved false. Beyond that, they validated other valuable perspectives.

What Can you Learn?

What are your open ended questions? Do you have a set of starter questions in your hip pocket? When we are  curious, and ask the right and thoughtful questions, there is much to learn. It is so easy to practice  rapid, quick decision making. But agility, in these times, might just mean slowing down. Look around and listen, so that what we say and do is in the right “key.” Harmonious teams work better together and minimize weakness in favor of strength.  And curiosity and appreciative inquiry make this happen.