Appendix C. Core Processes of Appreciative Inquiry Chapter 3, Communication
Orem, Binkert, and Clancy (2007) define four core processes in appreciative inquiry: definition, discovery, dream, and design. This table connects these processes to the CQI cycle and offers questions coaches can ask their learning partners. CORE PROCESS OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
CONNECTION TO CQI CYCLE
QUESTIONS A COACH CAN ASK
Definition Choose strengths as the focus of inquiry.
Building strengthsbased relationships
Discovery Use inquiry to identify positive strengths; get people to share stories. Have the program leader or staff team explore how to apply these strengths in other areas.
Assessing the When do you function at your best? How can program by identifying you apply these strengths to other areas of program strengths your practice? What has been the team’s major learning or insight so far? What is the next level of thinking the team needs to do?
Which of your professional successes are you most proud of? What are the best contributions you make to your program? What are you doing as an effective program leader or staff member?
Dream Developing a shared Create shared images vision of what is of a preferred future. possible Tap the motivations and desires of the program leader or staff team to develop a dream for the future.
What is the deeper purpose that is worthy of your best effort? What bold steps would you choose if success were guaranteed? What are the most exciting possibilities?
Design Innovate and improvise ways to create the future. Guide the program leader or staff team in creating a structure to reach their dreams.
What needs immediate attention moving forward? What strategies are most possible and most likely to help the program reach the established goals?
Action planning and implementation
Orem, S., Binkert, J., & Clancy, Ann (2007). Appreciative coaching: A positive process for change. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Coaching for Quality in Out-of-School Time: A How To Guide
