The abbreviation AI stands. For Appreciative Inquiry, a method attributed to the American management expert David Cooperrider that involves concentrating on the strengths, positive attributes and potential of a company or a person, rather than weaknesses. ‘What is going really well at the moment?’ replaces the classic question ‘What is the problem?’ Concentrating on weakness creates a negative impression from the outset.
Every person, every system, every product, every idea has faults. In the best-case scenario, an awareness of this fact can lead to a determined pursuit of perfection. But in many cases, focusing too strongly on the flaws of an idea or project stifles the open and positive approach is to take an idea that is not yet fully developed and to continue developing it, instead of prematurely abandoning it.
People often reveal their character in their approach to discussions. Four basic typed can be identified, according to how people react to suggestions :
• The fault- finder: ‘The idea is good, but…..’
• The dictator: ‘No!’
• The schoolteacher: ‘No, the idea isn’t good because…’
• The AI thinker : ‘Yes, and we could also…’
Any fool can criticise. And most fools do. Benjamin Franklin