Resolution Blog - Appreciative Inquiry

Client Conversations

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:12:00-0400

A few phonecalls keeping in touch with clients this week revealed that in many cases they associated me with the last piece of work that I did for them. Not a surprising revelation but a timely reminder that people and organisations might be sitting with a problem or something that they want to achieve and not realise that I might be able to help with that or know someone who can. In reconnecting with them, they painted a picture of Resolution and Margaret Wright. A very useful exercise for me and hopefully for them too because they defined what was in their mind or on their desk at the moment and I was also able to suggest a few approaches or ideas for them. What did I hear? I heard that Resolution offers teambuilding, awaydays, training in appreciative inquiry, how to engage with communities or for that matter anyone, processes for reviewing a small organisation and it's plans for the future, coaching etc. So what was in people's minds or on their desks? Topics like: in view of the current financial situation we need to redefine our business and assess where that business is coming from. if we are an organisation that depends on sponsors and funders, what changes might we expect and how can we plan for that? How do I motivate and build employee morale and confidence? Sometimes it was hearing about employee changes, perhaps a retirement. These are all times when we need to take stock, stop and think. Time to have conversations within and outwith the organisation or immediate group and perhaps a bit of brainstorming or thinking differently. A small group of us did that on Friday in the spacious and peaceful environment of the Faith Mission in Edinburgh and related stories of when we had been bold in the past. What worked for us and how could we build on that into the future. Interesting connections were made between folks with very different backgrounds and who knows there may even be collaborations. My motto is turn the credit crunch into creative conversations.

January Joy and February Focus

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:27:00-0400

I took some time over the weekend to reflect on the month of January and what has given me joy. What would feature on your January Joy list? For me it was going to a traditional pantomime, meeting up with friends I had not seen for a while, inviting some friends round for dinner at short notice and having as one of them said "a delightful evening in good company." Also on the list is a " be a tourist in your own city day" when a business meeting at Edinburgh Castle focused me on what an amazing place the castle is and also opened my eyes to all the fascinating places in Edinburgh. The view of Edinburgh from the castle ramparts is wonderful. An unusual and innovative cello concert also featured - more of that in another blog. Yes you might say these are all leisure or fun activities and they are needed to refresh and restore energy. There were moments of joy related to work too. Helping my husband's business by manning the stand at a trade show and gaining new customers, identifying new opportunities to apply the appreciative approach nearer to home here in Leith. So now its February. What is your F word for February? In Edinburgh today it is cold, some might say freezing. There are wintry snow showers and cold winds. A few seconds ago there was a blink of sunshine and now its a snowstorm. Your F word for February might be Fun or it might be Finances given all the recent events. My F word for February is Focus. What are you focused on for February? What would enable you to feel fantastic at the end of February? What first steps can you take today , right now!

Making the best of each day

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:06:00-0400

Someone I know spent all day yesterday on a plane when they intended a journey by plane followed by a business meeting and a late flight back. Things did not go according to plan and weather conditions initially did not allow landing at the destination. A decision was made to circle for some time to see if things improved. Refuelling was then required which necessitated a journey to another airport with yet more circling and decision making required. The result, a day spent on a plane and not with a business client. A waste of a day perhaps but thankfully a new book travelled too and was read in the course of the day. So not a complete waste but not quite what was planned. A fairly typical day for most people at work perhaps you might say. There are things that we cannot change - like the weather- but decisions are important as are experiences. The fact that travel to that particular airport in the winter has resulted in diversions on two occasions now informs the future. Decisions we make,we can do something about. The decisions others make are a different matter apart from pointing out the impact of their decision. Perhaps a decision to land at another airport and allow passengers to make their way by train was a possibility-who knows. Could the passengers have been consulted-now there is a thought. In mid air, airline staff conduct a dialogue with passengers regarding the best outcome. Organisations and projects can have points at which people can get on or get off. Trains provide that too. Planes are a different matter. Sometimes we just need to sit back and make the best of it if its out of our control. Make the best of the situation. What is the equivalent for you of having a new book to read on a diverted flight? What will you learn from your experience and do differently next time. Is there a way you can get on or get off or are you in for the long haul.

A recipe for cooking in the kitchen or the company

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:22:00-0400

There can be recipes for all sorts of things. Food, a great party or event. Here is one from a book I am reading at the moment. The 7 day weekend is subtitled The Wisdom Revolution: Finding the Work/Life Balance. It is by Ricardo Semler the author of the bestselling 'Maverick' book. You may hear more from me re this book but for now -here is the recipe. In a section comparing the Semco democratic way of running a company and the short route of command and execute methods - which he says is a path to nowhere - he writes " Coq au Vin cannot be compared to Chicken McNuggets - even if both are merely cooked fowl. Taking the long way-or simmering a slow stew of culture, tribalism and democracy- serves up a more savoury dish. Any stories to share of 'slow cooking' of food or running a company variety? What more savoury dish was created? What is your best recipe of democracy in action in a company or for that matter elsewhere.?

Good wishes and images for 2009!

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:48:00-0400

Well, people are back to work and the festive season stories have been shared and its on with the show for 2009. If you need a bit of a spark to revive that energy of a new year arriving then enjoy this great video taken by a friend and colleague Desmond Ryan from his flat and sent with a New Year greeting. Both the words and the image are spot on - enjoy! Desmond is an inspiration to me with his thoughts, words and the images/metaphors he uses. May they inspire you today and the thought sustain you throughout the year. "May 2009 have an exciting start, bring lots of colour and light into your life - and not so much smoke! Happy New Year from Edinburgh." The video last for 4 sparkling moments. New Year Fireworks Edinburgh

Endings and Beginnings

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:05:00-0400

October has ended and November has begun. Have you taken stock of your October highlights? Take a few moments to do that and see what it tells you about the way you might want to start November. Imagine its the end of November and ask yourself what has been the highlights and that will help you focus on the best way to start the month! In the current climate, there have been many endings for people and organisations but there will also be beginnings and its important to end well and to begin well. Saying goodbye to employees who are leaving an organisation whether its voluntary or compulsory is not an easy or pleasant thing to do but sometimes it has to happen. It is an opportunity for new beginnings and often people need help to get into a frame of mind to address the future. In fact they sometimes need a new way of seeing -a bit like visiting the optician as I did on Saturday for an eye check. A new pair of lenses or a new pair of spectacles make all the difference. Cataracts can cause a dulling of vision where things look grey. When the cataracts are removed everything is vibrant colour and its like a child seeing things for the first time. When endings and beginnings come along we sometimes need new lenses or spectacles. I can recommend an optician - SR Hyslop at 50 Home Street EH3 0131 229 7651. Honest and a thorough professional. If you need help to see the endings and beginnings for October /November or have the equivalent of cataracts in the way you see things get in touch with me 0131 554 9037 or mwright@resolution-scotland.com Here is what a recent client had to say " Feeling very positive about what I can do in the future"

Start the week Part 2

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:52:00-0400

Well-its now 2pm in Edinburgh and the sun is shining and the skies are blue. It's still blowy but it's bright! It definately feels better when the sun is shining but does it change things? It might encourage us to get up and go do all those things that we mean to do or it might make us wander off and enjoy the sunshine doing something completely different. So what can make the difference? We can! It's how our mind works and what we think and say to ourselves that matters. It helps to talk to others too and I found that talking to some colleagues and contacts this morning really helped me to focus and to generate ideas. It's fun to work as part of a group and collaborate. It helps creativity. So the talking is action, and the ideas can flow when we are either on our own or when we are working collaboratively with others. Here is another thought you can insert the words 'both' 'and' instead of "either" "'or" in the above sentence. So, no matter what the weather outside, you can turn on the sunshine inside with the flick of a switch. Do it, just do it. I just interrupted this blog to take a call from someone with some news that was not so good and as we talked with each other we agreed that " it's good to talk" We can offer each other support and encouragement and ideas on how to sustain ourselves when things get hard for us. Whether you are primarily a talker, a doer or a thinker, connect with another human being. Just do it.

How do you start the week?

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:35:00-0400

Today in Edinburgh, it is a dark, wet and windy Monday-the sort of day when it is hard to get out of bed and motivate yourself. So what can we do? Here are a few suggestions - pick one that works for you. We can look at inspiring images, we can find an inspiring or hopeful person to talk to, we can seek out or think about the things that make us smile-a young child, a cartoon, a joke. If we feel a bit down, we can seek to help or uplift others with a kind word or gesture. The insight on my Dalai Lama calendar today is "Benefit goes to the practitioner of kindness" We can listen to music. We can read an inspiring book. We can start by doing some little thing - do something positive. A good friend and colleague Bliss Browne once described exactly this sort of day as " great report writing weather". Is there some writing that needs done, is there a cupboard that needs cleared or a desk or room that could do with some decluttering.? Today the volunteers who work on the paddlesteamer Waverley are preparing it for the winter by unloading and putting into store lots of items and equipment. I am hoping and praying it's dry day in Glasgow this morning for them! No images to look at? Try here. Doricmor No one to talk to -give me a phone on 0131 554 9037. I have just finished reading Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan for the second time and it inspired me and made me think about the lives we live today. One of my favourite pieces of music is Harpworks by George Callaghan from Tasmania, Its a very soothing piece of music. If harp music is not your thing, coming up this weekend 24-26th October is a folk festival in Dunfermline. Tickets from 01383 725872, programme here or find out about a folk club near you. Folk Weekend Programme So get going then, start the week and treat yourself to one or all of these suggestions in the course of the day or the week. You deserve it and you will work all the better for it.

Quotes for these interesting times

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:48:00-0400

As each day brings more information about the financial and banking situation in the UK and around the world, headlines like 'Doom and Gloom spread around the world' proliferate. Stories emerge about the impact on ordinary people, their everyday lives and their plans for the future. I recall suddenly in a previous existence explaining to a workforce about to be privatised and be offered shares that " Shares can do down as well as up" Hmm. So what can we do? Here are some advice and quotes I have come accross recently which might help or give us a clue. " All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing" Edmund Burke "Exercising my confidence, just like my bod" " Stay confident in these turbulent times" "Of course I can see as well as anyone what's going on. Sometimes ya gotta walk away from the T.V. put down the paper. I don't need to become an expert in just how bad it feels. But I am working at seeing better than anyone else what's going on that's working" Jim Lord Read more here "What I believe according to my own experience, is that a calm, peaceful mind is a very important element for sustaining the body in a balanced way" Today's quote from my 'Insight from the Dalai Lama' calendar Keep saying: Keep calm, Be confident. "What's going on that's working. Find a glimmer of hope and pay attention to it" - Jim Lord again. Join me in doing something positive this coming week, starting with today.

Lessons for life - Out of the mouths of young children continued....

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:58:00-0400

In February I related a story about a 2 year old who understood that what you tell yourself affects the way you act. (See the 28 February entry) Here is another anecdote this time the wisdom of a 5 year old! The 5 year old had been visiting a new friend from her school class for a social engagement. The invite was being returned and the parent was concerned that the new friend was very quiet and polite and that his families three youngsters would all be too much for her. How would she cope? Discussing this with his 5 year old daughter he expressed the view that perhaps the little friend was very quiet and would it be ok? The quick reply was "Oh Dad, of course it will, she has a playground voice you know!" So at 5 we have the ability to make friends, see and appreciate them for what they are, recognise there is different behaviour for different places, and that people use different tones of voice. Young children notice everything and therefore they are experts in what brings life to a situation. They are excellent practitioners of Appreciative Inquiry. AI is simply 'paying attention' or 'noticing'. Noticing the good things and what works and brings life to a situation. Lessons for life from the 5 year olds! Much simpler, fun and to the point! Maybe they should be the teachers? Now, there is a thought for another day another blog.

Great Recipes for Steak Pie, Clootie Dumpling,A Grand Day Out and Life

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:41:00-0400

A visit to Glasgow and Ayrshire yesterday brought insights into all of the above. A local butcher revealed that he was being asked questions about how to make a good steak pie from a young butcher - and the answer? Just do it and learn from the experience. It takes time. The meat, the gravy and the pastry are all key that is what makes it a winning combination. Talk to a master by all means but you have to work at it yourself was his answer to the young butcher. Dumpling and a Grand Day Out? It was my mother's birthday and previous years have seen us enjoying wonderful sunny and warm weather in September in lovely locations as a birthday treat. Yesterday was grey with incessant rain and we began with a cup of tea to sample my less than perfect looking clootie dumpling -burnt on the bottom - it tasted fine to my relief. Further lessons needed from the master dumpling maker on amount of milk, gas setting and on both the type and tieing of the cloth or cloot! We had an errand to do at Croy Shore a beautiful location with views out to Arran. Leaving Glasgow we decided to 'just imagine sunshine' and yes, the rain stopped and there was some brightness in the sky in Ayrshire. The Grand Day Out? An outline plan with no set times, relaxed, low key, doing things we love in places we love with people we love. After Croy, the fishing village of Dunure appeared through the mist and we sampled a coffee at the refurbished Dunure Inn, watching a wee boat arrive back in harbour. A lovely location, lovingly looked after by the Harbour Committee who have done a lot of great work there. Back home , completing a couple of errands on the way for a simple meal of things we love - yes steak pie did feature and yet another piece of dumpling! Things in common in the recipes? Find a msster, listen, watch but most of all 'do' and learn. Do things that bring you joy,with people you love in a combination that you know works. Whatever the weather or the environment, somewhere there is a glimmer of light and if not 'just imagine it' Have a purpose or focusand take time to listen and be with a master and to appreciate them but do, do, do and be. be. be. Create your own recipes.

Endings and beginnings, sparking off a coaching conversation.

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:51:00-0400

How did you end the month of August and also how did you begin the new month of September? Endings and beginnings are important and even if we realise that they were not planned but just happened- that is fine. I ended August aboard the Waverley Paddle Steamer cruising to Arran - a fabulous trip that is covered in a previous blog insert. I began September with a piece of work for a group of people in a large institution who are focused on their values and want to explore and discuss individual and organisational values. An important, courageous and not always easy thing to do. Sometimes important topics are hard to 'do' - or maybe it's more correct to say 'be' in the case of values. It was great to be part of that and hopefully to 'spark' of some great conversations where people get to know and undestand and appreciate themselves, their work collegeages and the organisation they work for much better. On 2 September. I hear Professor Phil Hanlon speak about how to sustain energy levels at work. A short insightful talk with a range to things to do like meditate, take a break, exercise but will we do it? We know what to do but do not do it? Someone in the audience confirmed a culture in the workplace of long hours - 9-5 workers not required and yet we all know that this is not an effective way to work or live? Someone I know who lives their values often asks busy people 'Busy doing what exactly?' Take a moment to reflect on how August ended, September began and what you are 'busy' doing and if it reflects your values. If you want a 'spark' to help you with that conversation with yourself or with others- do get in touch as I offer coaching sessions that can help you do just that.

The Natural World and the appreciative link

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:13:00-0400

Did you notice that suddenly last week it was autumn? A number of people around me here in Leith did. Something changes about the light, the air and the trees. Its almost imperceptible but you sense it and feel it more than anything more concrete. Last year it happened on a day in August too-a bit early we might think-is it not still supposed to be summer!? Could the climate actually be changing we exclaim after all this talk about it for so many years? Despite our apparent denial, we are part of this natural world too. We are connected to it all whether we like it or not. I had a conversation with someone last week who explained that if they wanted to relax and build up some new energy they took off into nature, into the countryside. Others might prefer going to historic buildings and museums. Sound familiar? We are all different and if only we can appreciate the differences and work with them the world would be a better place. Human beings are a living organism and part of this natural world. Increasingly I believe more people are in tune with that and are beginning to reconnect with the world and the countryside around them. Enjoy this selection of photos from the natural world which includes a wedding in the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. May we all get more connected with the natural world and its rhythms and flows. There is much more to the world and the laws of nature than we have realised to date but thankfully we may be becoming more aware by the moment - our future depends on it! Being appreciative of the world around us and fellow human beings allows to reconnect with them, the world and ourselves in a deeper way and in a way that is natural and in tune with the laws of nature. Enjoy the natural world thenaturalworld

Why appreciation works.

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:14:00-0400

A recent post on the appreciative inquiry list serve gave a link to this article which goes some way to explaining why appreciation works so well. Stephanie who posted it said this about it. 'No one enjoys being told that their behaviour is harmful to themselves or others. In fact, most people respond defensively when confronted with evidence that their behavior is irrational, irresponsible, or unhealthy. Fortunately, research has shown that just a few minutes of writing about an important value can reduce defensiveness.' Appreciative Questions and conversations are rooted in respect,interest and valueing the other person and therefore are steeped in values and valueing. Hence the positive and very different response that appreciative questions generate. The title of the article is 'Reflecting On Values Promotes Love, Acceptance' and click here to access it. sciencedaily

The artist's appreciative eye

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:01:00-0400

David Cooperider at Case Western University is the man credited with first describing and 'discovering' that when you look at what works in a system it grows i.e. you get more of what works and even better it leads to all sorts of creative collaborations when people discover what they really care about.When you focus on what is not working i.e. the problems and try to 'fix' them, a different energy is involved and different ways of thinking and talking which can impact on your actions with not so positive and generative results. I recall discovering that David's wife was and maybe still is an artist and in his discussions with his wife at the time he was doing his initial research, they talked about the artist's appreciative eye! I am lucky enough to know and talk with a number of artists in Scotland and to see their work. It is very varied, they have different perspectives or artist's appreciative eyes. In any situation we will find many perspectives and meet people who 'see' things differently. Try thinking of them as artists with different styles. A bit like this selection of artists here. Enjoy the images - appreciative inquiry is also about the power of inspiring images whether they be paintings or pictures in our mind i.e.imagined. Click here for different artists perspectives. artslideshow