Appreciative Inquiry

Founded by Dr. David Cooperrider’s doctoral research in 1986, AI has evolved significantly from its early days. Initially explored as an organizational development framework intended to support discovery, understanding and to foster innovation in social organizations, it has become more than an organizational development model.

• AI as a philosophy of knowledge and a way of coming to understand the world
• AI as a principle-based intervention that emphasizes the importance of language, dialogue and the power of story in the construction of our individual realities
• AI as a philosophy and intervention that can be applied to any process for working in organizations

(Watkins, Mohr and Kelly, 2011)

This paradigm can be applied to multiple contexts, including personal relationships, learning opportunities, team development, strategic planning and more. Essentially we believe that any organization that wants to develop first from understanding the diverse perspectives of the individuals in the system can do so with this strength-based approach, thus building capacity and innovation for a future that is yet to be imagined. Both Lisa and Leeann are certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitators and Leeann is an AI Trainer. This means we have the appreciative toolkit to help your team achieve desired results.