Releasing the Potential of Individuals: Fostering an Environment for People to Thrive

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the concept of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is beginning to take hold in all segments of society including higher education and academic libraries. Combined with strength-based organizational development and understanding the impact positive emotions have on work life, AI is a powerful tool that gets people engaged in the workplace, thus fostering an environment in which everyone thrives. Participants will learn about the research that supports AI, strength based organizations and positive emotions; be exposed to the 4-D cycle of AI; and learn practical approaches that can be implemented immediately. AI is particularly relevant to middle managers and leaders as it is a proven way to transform work environments by engaging others. The presenter recently attended the International Appreciative Inquiry conference, so participants will learn about the most current research and application. Complete with revised and updated information, this presentation was first given as a component of the ALA/ACRL JOINT SPRING VIRTUAL INSTITUTE 2008: Leading from the Middle: Managing in All Directions in which 70+ individuals from all over the world participated.

Session Files: 

Selective Readings on Appreciative Inquiry.doc