Appreciative Inquiry
Developed by David Cooperrider, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a strengths-based approach to organisational change. Rather than focusing on problems, AI asks 'What is working at its best?' and builds change from there. The 4-D cycle: Discover (what gives life?), Dream (what might be?), Design (what should be?), Destiny/Deliver (what will be?). AI creates generative energy and ownership that problem-focused approaches often undermine.
How to run it
- 1
Define the affirmative topic: what aspect of the organisation do you want to strengthen? Frame it positively.
- 2
Discover: conduct paired appreciative interviews. 'Tell me about a time when [topic] was at its best. What were the conditions? What did you contribute?'
- 3
Collect stories and identify the themes and factors present when things work best.
- 4
Dream: based on what we discovered, what could be possible? Create provocative propositions — bold statements of the desired future as if it already exists.
- 5
Design: what structures, processes, and relationships need to be in place to support the dream?
- 6
Destiny: what specific commitments and actions will we take to move toward the design?
- 7
Implement and sustain through ongoing appreciative practices.
Tips
AI is a philosophy as much as a technique — if the facilitator doesn't genuinely believe in the strength-based premise, it will feel manipulative.
Don't use it to avoid hard conversations; use it to generate energy before addressing hard realities.',
Variations
Run an AI Summit (large group, 2+ days) for whole-organisation transformation. Use paired AI interviews as a team-building activity or meeting opener. Combine with Future Search Conference for large-scale community engagement.
Where it fits
Related methods
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Appreciative Inquiry?▾
Use Appreciative Inquiry when you want to: Organisational transformation; Community development; Team culture change; Strategic visioning; Leadership development.
How long does Appreciative Inquiry take?▾
Appreciative Inquiry typically takes 120–480 minutes.
How many participants does Appreciative Inquiry work for?▾
Appreciative Inquiry works best for groups of 5–500 participants.
What materials do I need for Appreciative Inquiry?▾
To run Appreciative Inquiry you will need: AI interview guides, flip charts, markers.
How difficult is Appreciative Inquiry to facilitate?▾
Appreciative Inquiry is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
Plan your next workshop with AI
Workshop Weaver helps you combine methods like Appreciative Inquiry into a complete, timed agenda in minutes.
Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices.