Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative Inquiry is a collaborative, strength-based approach to team development, innovation and strategic change initiatives. It is both a process and the philosophy that informs all the work we do with clients.

“AI is an exciting way to embrace organizational change. Its assumption is simple: Every organization has something that works right – things that give it life when it is most alive, effective, successful, and connected in healthy ways to its stakeholders and communities. AI begins by identifying what is positive and connecting to it in ways that heighten energy and vision for change. …AI recognizes that every organization is an open system that depends on its human capital to bring its vision and purpose to life. … The outcome of an AI initiative is a long-term positive change in the organization. … AI is important because it works to bring the whole organization together to build upon its positive core. AI encourages people to work together to promote a better understanding of the human system, the heartbeat of the organization.”

Cooperrider, David L; Whitney, Diana; and Stavros, Jacqueline M., Appreciative Inquiry Handbook: The First in a Series of AI Workbooks for Leaders of Change, Lakeshore Communications, 2003, Pages XVII – XIX

We offer two specialized Appreciative Inquiry programs, AI Summits and the Appreciative Inquiry Training Programs.

Appreciative Inquiry Summits

The AI Summit is a highly interactive, large-scale, group engagement process focused around a specific topic that is deeply important to the organization.

Sample Summit topics include: strategic planning, innovation, building collaboration, creating your corporate vision and mission and launching new initiatives. Your 2- to 3-day event is designed around the 4-D process of Discover, Dream, Design and Deliver.

Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry Training Programs

Build AI capacity and strength-based cultures in your organization. We offer one-day introduction to AI workshops to multiple-day experiential train-the-trainer programs.

Continuum is proud to be a part of the AI community. We look forward to bringing this unique approach to the people we serve!