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Appreciative Inquiry: An Interactive Application

with Dave Gatewood and Valerie Evans

Overview

"Appreciative Inquiry is the cooperative co-evolutionary search for the best in people, their organizations, and the world around them. It involves the discovery of what gives 'life' to a living system when it is most effective, alive, and constructively capable in economic, ecological, and human terms. AI involves the art and practice of asking questions that strengthen a system's capacity to apprehend, anticipate, and heighten positive potential. The inquiry is mobilized through the crafting of the 'unconditional positive question,' often involving hundreds or thousands of people. AI interventions focus on the speed of imagination and innovation-instead of the negative, critical, and spiraling diagnoses commonly used in organizations. The discovery, dream, design, and destiny model links the energy of the positive core to changes never thought possible." — David Cooperrider, Appreciative Inquiry Handbook (2003).

This evening's interactive session will offer attendees the opportunity to become familiar with the philosophy and methodologies of Appreciative Inquiry as a strengthbased change initiative that is creating a positive revolution in organizational success world-wide. Following a brief introduction to the theory and practice of Appreciative Inquiry, participants will be invited to cocreate an ODN mini-AI event designed to provide an opportunity for grounded application and hands-on experience with how to:

• Work with a client to define the goals and identify the planning team
• Identify the strengths of the organization
• Build on the core values found in these strengths
• Create shared images of a preferred future
• Develop agreed upon principles, goals, and innovations for change
• Co-construct a sustainable positive organizational culture

For information prior to the session on the world-wide movement of Appreciative Inquiry and positive change research please feel free to visit http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu/. 

Handouts

1. AI Bibliography (courtesy of Diana Larsen)
2. PowerPoint presentation

About Our Speakers

Dave Gatewood is a native Portlander who has been serving higher education across the country and around the globe for 25 years as a teacher, administrator, and consultant. Dave has advanced degrees in arts management, business, and higher education administration. During the past several years, Dave has become energized by 'strength-based' OD, including positive psychology, positive leadership, and Appreciative Inquiry. Having attended workshops by David Cooperrider (the primary 'caretaker' of the Appreciative Inquiry movement) and participated in both general and advanced Appreciative Inquiry trainings, Dave now incorporates the philosophies and methodologies of AI into all of his organizational interventions.

Valerie Evans is Director of Organizational Development for David Evans and Associates, Inc., an employee-owned firm known for its progressive and sustainable design of transportation, land development, energy, and water resources projects. The firm has more than 20 offices in seven states and employs more than 1,000 people. Valerie has a certificate in organizational development through Linkage, Inc./DePaul University. She was introduced to Appreciative Inquiry through a workshop by James D. Ludema, one of the authors of The Appreciative Inquiry Summit: A Practitioner's Guide for Leading Large-Group Change. Enthusiastic about the potential Appreciative Inquiry offers, Valerie seeks to weave its principles into efforts large and small.

Location

University Place (Multnomah Falls Room)
310 SW Lincoln Street
Portland, Oregon 97201
Ph: 503-221-0140
http://www.pdx.edu/cegs/uplace.html

Directions:

• Traveling North on I-5, take the I-05 exit. Take the 4th Street Exit to Downtown. Take a right at Lincoln and the University Place will be on your right.
• Traveling South on I-5, take the I-405 S exit, then take 6th St exit, and go left. Take a right on Harrison, go to 1st and then take a left on Lincoln Street. University Place will be on the left. Please be sure to go to the second entrance to stop at the kiosk and get your parking ticket.

Parking:

Park in the facility parking lot. Parking available on site: Normally $3.00 after 5 PM. We have arranged a special discounted price of $1 for ODN-OR meeting attendees. How to get that special price: Tell the parking attendant you are with the Oregon ODN group to receive the $2 discount and pay only $1. Metered parking is available on Lincoln street and is free after 7 PM.

Times

Peer Coaching: 5:30 - 6:30 PM (Peer Coaching Document)
Networking: 6:00 – 6:45 PM
Program: 6:45 - 8:30 PM

All sessions and meetings will meet in the Multnomah Falls Room at University Place.

Cost

Meeting attendance is free for chapter members. The cost for non-members is $10. The fee can be used to offset the membership fee if paid at the program.

Pre-Meeting Session: Peer Coaching

Every month, one hour prior to the general program, Oregon ODN members who are interested in Peer Coaching gather to participate in a coaching activity. We form small peer coaching groups of approximately six participants, each with a facilitator. We ask for volunteers interested in receiving coaching to describe a goal or challenge they are facing; the others in their group ask powerful questions to help that person gain new perspectives on their goal/challenge. This is a wonderful opportunity to get coached, provide peer coaching, and learn more about a powerful coaching process that can be applied in various settings. If you have any questions about Peer Coaching, contact Monique Breault at monique.breault@hp.com.

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