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Appreciative Inquiry

AI Summit

WHOLE SYSTEM STRATEGIC PLANNING  AND ENGAGEMENT

Corporate Evolution is a leader in Australia in the area of Appreciative Inquiry (AI)- an innovative approach to creating and engaging the whole system in a new vision, values, strategy and/or initiatives.  AI Summits are typically 2-3 days and consist of all (or a proportion of) the stakeholders in the room - employees, Board, Customers, Stakeholders, Partners, etc.  A very powerful event, it can reduce engagement of a new vision, strategy, culture and strategic initiatives typically from 6 months to 3 days. Read a case history from the Inspire Summit. 

WHAT IS AI?

Instead of the traditional problem solving approach identifying "what is wrong" with an organization, AI takes the approach, "what is right" with an organization and, through dialogue and sharing of peak experiences and dreams,  the participants co-create a vision and new initiatives based on the strengths, passion and collective wisdom of its people.

BENEFITS OF AI

  • A high-participation, full-voice process targeted at organizational innovation
  • A learning process to identify and disseminate best practices
  • A way of managing and working that fosters positive communication and can result in the formation of deep and meaningful relationships
  • Can be used to radically redesign the governance structures and processes of an organization.
  • Mobilizes strategic change by focusing on the core strengths of an organization, then using those strengths to reshape the future

4-D PHASES OF AI

The AI Change Process

 The AI Change Process

PREMISES OF AI

  • There is innate potential and wisdom within each of us, that when unleashed and connected with the whole, can release powerful creativity and innovation.
  • Human systems grow in the direction of what they most persistently, actively and collectively ask questions about. When they focus on human ideals and achievements, peak experiences and best practices, these things tend to flourish. When we organize around problems, we structure solutions around the problems instead of the desired future.
  • Organisations change fastest and best when their members are excited about where they are going, have a clear plan for moving forward and feel confident about their ability to reach their destination.
  • Change will occur, with greater engagement, if we can get to shared meaning

CORPORATE EVOLUTION AI EXPERIENCE

Because of the power of AI in engaging multiple stakeholders and creating a cultural shift for a team or organisation, an AI approach is used in most aspects of Corporate Evolution's programs.  Distinct AI Projects include:

  • Major Law Firm:  Creating a Vision with 200 Partners
  • Major Asian Bank: Powerfully implementing the Vision through Transformational Leadership - 2 Summits with 150 people each
  • Retail Bank in Singapore: Achieving Best in Class Sales and Service
  • Non-Profit Mental Health Organisation: Creating new Purpose, Vision and 5- Year Strategic Plan (A 10-minute video of this Summit is available for viewing)
  • Global Pharmaceutical: New Customer-Centric Vision
  • Major Bank:  Implementing the new Vision through Transformational Leadership
  • Multiple Top Team Alignment Sessions: Team Vision
  • BP Development: Visioning
  • Public Asian Bank: Co-creating a Vision for the Future
  • Private Asian Bank: Creating an Aspirational Vision of the Future
  • Australian National Values Survey - Visioning Summit

CLIENT COMMENTS

"From all of us, a big thank you. You have once again delivered a great AI session. I am sure you realize this from the feedback given by the client" (Partner, Top global management consultancy)

"Just wanted to convey a big thank you for anchoring two super days at the retail forum. Your expertise and energy was very much appreciated by the client and we believe this forum will help us in achieving our aspirations for (the bank)."(Top management consultancy)

"Corporate Evolution’s breadth of business and executive experience was a critical factor in producing our strategic plan.
In February of 2008 Inspire Foundation undertook an Appreciative Inquiry Summit with the objective of delivering a new strategy with full engagement by all our stakeholders. I sought advice from McKinsey and Company and they recommended two things: (1) that I investigate appreciative inquiry as an approach and (2) that I get in touch with Australia’s leader in the field, Lisa Doig. Lisa’s expertise, care and passion in leading us through the appreciative inquiry approach cannot be over stated. The outcome far exceeded our expectations. Following the summit, we had immediate wins through new investment by those attending the summit. Internally, the Summit aligned Inspire in a way that can only be described as transformative. Externally, it created a community that cares deeply about Inspire’s work.” (Kerry Graham, CEO, Inspire Foundation)