The Appreciative Way

Since its introduction in the mid-1980s, Appreciative Inquiry has become a powerful influence in the field of organizational development. For many people the positive, future-oriented, strength-based approach of Appreciative Inquiry resonated with other complementary approaches in the fields of psychology and contemplative spirituality. Many within the Appreciative Inquiry community have discovered that the appreciative approach is not simply an organizational development process but, in synthesis with other positive approaches to understanding human behavior, it forms a foundation or way of perceiving and being in the world. This is what we call the Appreciative Way.

In particular the Appreciative Way is Rob and Kim Voyle's synthesis of:

• The practice and philosophy of Appreciative Inquiry
• The work of Milton Erickson and his students
• Positive Psychology
• Compassion as the agent of transformation
• Contemplative Spirituality

This positive way of being in the world and engaging in organizational and individual development is in dramatic contrast to many of the current problem-solving approaches to change management, that despite their best intentions often lead to increasing levels of negativity, blame, frustration, and poor performance.

Using the Appreciative Way

The appreciative way can be applied to any human experience or endeavor. For example we have applied the Appreciative Way to:

• Personal and Executive Coaching
• Organizational Development
• Stewardship and Fund Raising
• Growing Cooperation in the Midst of Conflict
• Performance Reviews
• Clergy Search Process

The Appreciative Way Series

We are in the process of developing a series of published resources that are based on the Appreciative Way. The following resources are currently available.

• Core Elements of the Appreciative Way
  The foundational synthesis of the core elements of designing and creating positive change.
• Yes!³ A small group process designed to grow an appreciative culture within a congregation by having parishioners use the appreciative way to discern and live their God-given purpose.

The following resources are under development:

• Assessing Skills and Discerning Calls
  A complete guide for the clergy search process. It includes how to create and lead an appreciative summit to develop the search profile and how to use appreciative strategies in the interviewing and discerning process.
• Forgiveness and the Restoration of Hope: Appreciative Strategies to Resolve Resentment and Grief.