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Business success depends on getting things right, and in many cases getting them right first time.
This rule holds true no matter what part of a business you deal with. The traditional approach is to concentrate on what can go wrong and what doesn’t work. In fact clients consistently ask us: “How can we make things work better?”
We never try to give an answer. Instead we ask the question: “What does work well”, what is successful? and how can we make these things happen more often?”
Ultimately these questions can only be answered from within. Our role is therefore always to facilitate an internal search for the answer by using ‘Appreciative Inquiry’.
“AI is an exciting way to embrace organisational change. Its assumption is simple: every organisation has something that works right … AI begins by identifying what is positive and connects to it in ways that heighten energy and vision for change ... AI recognises that every organisation is an open system that depends on its human capital to bring its vision and purpose to life ... The outcome .. is a long-term positive change .. AI encourages people to work together to promote a better understanding of the human system, the heartbeat of the organisation.” David Cooperrider - Founder of AI
AI was developed by David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva in the 1980s. The approach is based on the principle that ‘organisations change in the direction in which they inquire.’ An organisation that inquires into problems will keep finding problems whereas an organisation that tries to discover what is best in itself will find more and more that is good. It can use these discoveries to build a new future where ‘the best’ becomes more common.
AI can enhance team or organisational learning through a series of experiential learning activities that:
The effect will be different for every organisation that uses AI although the principles remain the same. AI uses a ‘4D’ cycle – discovery, dreaming, design and destiny. These can evolve in a one-day workshop or over a matter of months, using questionnaires and focus groups.
We have used peer interviewing workshops, even bringing in actors on some occasions, to help people grasp what is vibrant and important within the organisation, and imagine (dream) a set-up where those elements are the rule rather than the exception. From there, we guide you through the processes of design, in which you begin to create the inspired organisation that will ultimately lead to your ongoing destiny.
AI is not merely an intervention, it is a change in the way an organisation perceives itself - not as a set of problems to be solved but as a vital living organism with the capacity to grow into its own vision of itself at its very best.
Becoming an AI-organisation will enable you to reduce many problems to their proper status. Previously all-absorbing problem issues will simply become obstacles that need to be negotiated in your pursuit of greatness. AI is about vision and life and making a better future for your business.
Clients have adapted this technique for improving performance, increasing staff satisfaction, managing change, developing principles, behaviours and core values for working and many other people-based business applications.
Cooperrider and Whitney
All our courses are custom-designed to meet your specific needs. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact us.
Tel: 01454 410000 • E-mail: enquiries@pendragon-hr.com • Web: www.pendragon-cs.com
Pendragon Human Partnerships, Annwn Court, Shepperdine Road, Oldbury-on-Severn, South Gloucestershire, BS35 1RL
To download the full Facilitating Communication brochure in PDF format - click here
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