Brenda Zimmerman

Appreciative Inquiry (Ai) offers an alternative to the problem solving approach that dominates most organizations today. Ai focuses on what is already working within an organization and why it works in order to build from strengths that exist but may be hidden from view.

The famous management writer, Peter Drucker, argued that the task of leadership is to create an alignment of strengths, thus making weaknesses irrelevant. David has argued that organizations grow toward what they persistently ask questions about. In this session, you will ask questions to reveal the positive core within your organization.

The objectives for today’s exploration are to:

• Differentiate between problem solving and appreciative inquiry.
• Learn how to ask appreciative questions.
• Appreciate how the strength and potential of your organization can flow from your personal stories and imaginations.