Appreciative Tip: The Power of Great Questions.
David Cooperrider, the founder of appreciative inquiry, said that organizations grow in the direction of the questions they ask. Every time we ask a question of someone we influence or move the person or group in some direction. If these two statements are true and from my experience they are, then it pays to ask questions that move people in the direction we want them to go. For example if we want the group to move toward success, we need to ask questions about how they succeeded in the past, and what they want to accomplish in the future.
On the other hand if we ask a group what problems they are having, the people will be moved in the direction of problems and causality. This evokes blame and judgment which in turns creates defensiveness on the part of those who feel blamed. The end result is that members of the group will have been moved into a realm of greater alienation and powerlessness. Even if the problem solving question is asked with a minimal sense of blame, over time this problem centered approach will result in an erosion of confidence and well-being and leave people feeling powerless and immersed in their problems.
The appreciative approach of asking what is working and what would "more" look like continually moves people into a realistic and empowered hope for a better future. As Cooperrider has also said: "we need to inquire into and discover the root cause of success rather than the root cause of failure." When confronting a problem we need to get clear on what a successful outcome would be and then explore what resources we need to achieve it, rather than focus on why we can't achieve the goal.
Here are some of my favorite questions:
What is it that you really, love to do?
What would happen to your life if you got to do more of what you really love to do?
What do you need in order to do more of what you love?
Notice we don't inquire why you can't do more of what
you love, but what do you need to do what you love.
What would happen to your church if it stopped doing what it "should do" and simply became a place to support people to do what they really love to do?
To live in love and to share love is our heritage as the children of God. To grow communities of love we need to inquire deeply into our experience of love and sharing that love with others.
New Appreciative Way Resources
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Covers the essential fundamentals of the Appreciative Way.
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A small group study program to teach the Appreciative Way and transform your church’s culture.
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For complete details and purchasing please visit:
http://www.clergyleadership.com
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Training Schedule
Appreciative Inquiry Based Workshops
For program details please visit:
http://www.clergyleadership.com
Intro. to Appreciative Inquiry
San Francisco, CA. Oct. 27-29, 2008
Delray Beach, FL. Jan. 5-7, 2009
Learn the fundamentals of the appreciative way.
Interim Ministry Training (AIM1)
Delray Beach, FL. Jan. 7-9, 2009
Using appreciative strategies in transitional ministry settings.
Intro. to Appreciative Coaching
San Francisco, CA. Oct. 29-31, 2008
Use the appreciative way when coaching staff and volunteers.
Appreciative Leadership for
Managing Change (AIM II)
Coaching Competent Leaders
Farmington, MN. Nov. 17-21, 2008
Pine Knoll Shores, NC. Dec. 1-5
Develop your core competencies of effective leadership.
Clergy Search Consultant Training
Delray Beach, FL. Jan. 7-9, 2009
Use the appreciative way as the foundation for the search process.
Advanced Coach Training
Baltimore, MD. Nov. 10-14, 2008
Learn the strategies for building confidence and transforming self-image.
Leadership Coaching
Individual and Group Coaching
for Just-in-Time Consultation.
For details please visit:
Coaching Services
Our Training Philosophy
Rob Voyle’s personal mission is to be helpful, humorous, and healing, and our training programs reflect these values in practical, creative and transformational ways.
Here is what one participant said of our appreciative inquiry program:"
"I have been fully engaged emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Thank you for touching me at the core of my being." M.E. Member of the UCC Church.
Continuing Education Credit
The Clergy Leadership Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Clergy Leadership Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
The Clergy Leadership Institute is a National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPT) and may offer NBCC approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The Clergy Leadership Institute solely is responsible for all aspects of the program.
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