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    WebinarPositive Vision of Future 2009 60 min

    Appreciative Inquiry: Making it Work

    The shine is wearing off and many people who were excited by the allure of positive, conflict free change have been disappointed by their experience of appreciative inquiry (AI). Yet, stories of amazing transformational outcomes from AI continue to surface. So what’s up? In this webinar one of the pioneers of Appreciative Inquiry will share what he’s learned to date about what AI can and can’t do, and what is causing so many people to have less than successful experiences. During the webinar Gervase will share the models he’s developed to guide successful AI processes and use polling techniques to inquire into your experiences and perceptions and that of other participants. As a group, you will guide some of the direction the webinar takes.

    Presenter

    GB

    Gervase Bushe

    •Learn the 7 common mistakes to avoid when using Appreciative Inquiry •Learn practical models of when and how to use AI successfully

    Key Takeaways

    • 1.The promise of positive, conflict-free change through Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is often met with disappointment.
    • 2.Successful AI initiatives can produce transformational outcomes, but many fall short.
    • 3.Specific models and frameworks can guide a more successful Appreciative Inquiry process.
    • 4.Understanding the limitations of Appreciative Inquiry is as important as understanding its core principles.
    • 5.AI offers an alternative to traditional problem-solving by focusing on organizational strengths and possibilities.
    • 6.Proper application of AI is crucial for driving genuine, inclusive, and sustained transformation.

    The Challenge with Appreciative Inquiry

    Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is often presented as a method for positive, conflict-free change. However, the initial excitement has worn off for many practitioners who have been disappointed by their experiences and outcomes. Despite stories of amazing transformations, many organizations have had less than successful implementations. This gap between promise and reality raises critical questions about what AI can and cannot do and what factors lead to these inconsistent results.

    Making Appreciative Inquiry Work

    In this webinar, Gervase Bushe, a pioneer in the field of Appreciative Inquiry, addresses these challenges head-on. He shares what he has learned about the common pitfalls and causes of failure in AI processes. Drawing on his extensive experience, Bushe presents models and frameworks he has developed to guide successful AI initiatives that lead to sustained, positive change.

    Key Learnings from the Session:

    • An understanding of the core principles of Appreciative Inquiry and its limitations.
    • Insights into why some AI implementations disappoint while others achieve remarkable transformations.
    • Models and frameworks developed to guide successful Appreciative Inquiry processes.
    • Best practices for fostering inclusive and engaging AI discussions.
    • Strategies for designing AI initiatives that lead to sustained, positive change.

    Application for Leaders

    Leaders can apply the insights from this session to re-evaluate their current change management methodologies, especially when facing resistance or cynicism. By focusing on what works well and what aspirations exist, rather than solely on deficiencies, leaders can design AI-based interventions that genuinely engage employees. Bushe's frameworks provide a pragmatic roadmap for ensuring AI initiatives deliver their promised value, fostering a more collaborative and innovative environment, and promoting inclusive and lasting positive impact.

    This session delves into the practical application of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), addressing why its promise of positive, conflict-free change sometimes falls short and how to overcome common pitfalls. It highlights the factors that differentiate successful, transformative AI initiatives from less effective ones, offering insights into maximizing its potential.

    What you'll learn

    • An understanding of the core principles of Appreciative Inquiry and its limitations.
    • Insights into why some AI implementations disappoint while others achieve remarkable transformations.
    • Models and frameworks developed to guide successful Appreciative Inquiry processes.
    • Best practices for fostering inclusive and engaging AI discussions.
    • Strategies for designing AI initiatives that lead to sustained, positive change.

    Who this webinar is for

    • Leaders and managers involved in organizational change initiatives.
    • HR professionals, organizational development practitioners, and consultants.
    • Individuals interested in leveraging positive psychology for workplace improvements.
    • Anyone seeking to understand the nuances of Appreciative Inquiry beyond its theoretical appeal.

    Why it matters now

    In a rapidly evolving world, traditional problem-solving approaches often lead to burnout and resistance. Appreciative Inquiry offers a powerful alternative by focusing on strengths, successes, and possibilities, fostering a more positive and resilient organizational culture. Understanding its proper application is crucial for driving genuine, inclusive transformation rather than superficial change.

    How leaders can apply this

    Leaders can apply the models and insights shared to re-evaluate their current change methodologies, particularly when facing resistance or cynicism. They can design AI-based interventions that genuinely engage employees by focusing on what works well and what aspirations exist, rather than solely on deficiencies. This approach fosters a more collaborative environment, leading to innovative solutions and increased commitment across the organization. Gervase Bushe's frameworks provide a pragmatic roadmap for ensuring AI initiatives deliver their promised value, promoting inclusivity and lasting positive impact.

    About this session

    Key takeaways

    Watching this webinar gives you grounded, practical perspective on Inclusivity. Expect ideas you can use in leadership conversations, not abstract theory, drawn from Gervase Bushe's direct experience.

    Who this is for

    CHROs, HR business partners, talent leaders, executive coaches, organizational development practitioners, and senior leaders who are responsible for positive vision of future inside their organization.

    Why it matters now

    Workforce expectations, hybrid work patterns, and AI-driven change keep raising the bar on culture and leadership. Sessions like this help leaders make smarter, more evidence-informed decisions about Inclusivity.

    How to apply it

    Use the ideas here to challenge a current assumption on your team, design a single concrete experiment in the next 30 days, and bring one finding back to your leadership group for discussion.

    Frequently asked questions

    Best Practice Institute

    Best Practice Institute is the research organization behind Most Loved Workplace® certification, the SPARK Model, the Love of Workplace Index™ (LOWI™), and The Workplace Report.

    The Workplace Report

    The Workplace Report is BPI's original workplace culture research and editorial briefing series for CEOs, CHROs, people leaders, talent leaders, and employer-brand teams. It turns BPI's 25 years of research, Most Loved Workplace® certification data, SPARK findings, and current workforce signals into practical analysis leaders can use.

    The report format includes executive summaries, research-backed articles, company examples, methodology notes, and practical implications for retention, hiring, culture, leadership, and employee experience. New research and analysis is published on an ongoing editorial cadence at /workplace-report.