The Appreciative Inquiry Handbook: For Leaders of Change

by David L. Cooperrider

One of today’s most popular change methods, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has been used to undertake transformational initiatives in dozens of organizations, ranging from McDonald’s to the U.S. Navy to Save the Children. The assumption of AI is Every organization has something that works right—things that give it life when it is vital, effective, and successful. AI begins by identifying this positive core and connecting organizational visions, plans, and structures to it in ways that heighten energy and inspire action for change.

The Appreciative Inquiry Handbook contains everything you need to launch any kind of AI initiative. The authors provide background information on what AI is and how it works, and offer sample project plans, designs, agendas, course outlines, interview guidelines, participant worksheets, a list of resources, and more. From abstract principles underlying AI to actual tools used in different settings, from detailed descriptions of AI interventions to practical tips to classic AI articles, this workbook presents all of the introductory concepts, examples, and aids necessary to engage yourself and others in Appreciative Inquiry.

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Reference, Business, Psychology, Communication

496 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2002

Reviews

[Chris Pitts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Appreciative Inquiry " is a philosophy that incorporates an approach, a process (4-D Cycle of Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny) for engaging people at any or all levels to produce effective, positive change."

It stands in stark contrast to "traditional" problem-solving methodologies that start with a "problem" or deficit. Rather, AI argues that change occurs at the moment we begin to inquire about change and goes the direction of either negativity or positivity depending on the language used.

The book itself sought to be too much. It attempted to be introductory, theoretical, practical, and all-encompassing at once. It would have been better to treat some of these topics separately (e.g., theory from practical).

As for the content, I can recognize the value of positive, forward-thinking language when discussing an organization. Negativity does little to inspire. The theoretical basis seems tentative. A key component is the Constructionist Principle which is based on social constructivism. When dealing with epistemology, this is a relativistic approach, suggesting that language itself is what creates reality as we socially co-construct.

[Brittany Neish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed handbook that provides every inch of information you’d need to launch and execute your very own appreciative inquiry summit. Full of fact based research articles, case studies and written examples, this is a book I know I’ll be turning to often as I continue to build and scale my own development initiatives.

[Michael Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The penultimate guidebook for Appreciative Inquiry (AI) practitioners. Written by the father of AI, this handbook clearly describes the 4-step model (Discover, Dream, Design and Deliver) and provides step-by-step procedures for its implementation. With an extensive array of case studies and an impressive array of practical tools, this handbook ensures the successful execution of a strength-based approach to strategic planning in any organization.

[Brad Sitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Only read the chapters I needed (not the whole book).

Goes into great detail as to how to host an AI. I need to now host a few sessions before I might need to come back to the book to review and adapt.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for anyone who is thinking about using Appreciative Inquiry in the workplace as well as in their own life. In some ways it reflects a similar concept to Discover Your Strengths-focus your attention on what is working and maximize those positives. Combine these two and you can then learn to collaborate with others whose strengths fill in the gaps for you. Accept what you can do well, minimize the impact (potential) of negatives or abilities that do not come naturally through an objective lens. Good coaches use this type of approach but you can get a good start by understanding the information here and then toss in a read of Learned Optimism.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tool for utilizing the people around you in the best/most effective ways.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

everything is right about this.