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- Appreciative Inquiry Course (1 day)
Appreciative Inquiry Course (1 day)
Managers and teams learn to lead change by asking the questions that uncover what already works – and building on it.
Most improvement efforts start with the question 'what is wrong?' That focus tends to produce defensiveness, blame and long lists of problems. Appreciative inquiry starts somewhere else: what is working, when are we at our best, and how do we get more of it? This appreciative inquiry training shows managers, HR practitioners and team leaders how to use that approach for change, coaching and team development.
Delegates learn the principles behind the method and how language shapes thinking, then practise the core tools. The 4-D cycle – discovery, dream, design and delivery – gives a structure for a change workshop; the 4-I model – initiate, inquire, imagine, innovate – offers a lighter version for everyday conversations. Delegates frame positive questions, run short appreciative interviews, pick out recurring themes and build a team's positive core from its strengths, best practices and peak experiences.
The approach is practical, not wishful thinking: the picture of a better future is grounded in data and real examples. Delegates leave with a set of interview questions and a plan to use appreciative inquiry in a team meeting, a coaching conversation or a change project.
Why this course
For your organisation
- Change projects that gain support instead of resistance
- Team meetings that build on strengths rather than assign blame
- Managers with a coaching style that recognises good work
- A structured method for strategy and team-development sessions
For your delegates
- A practical structure for leading positive change
- Questions that draw out stories of success
- Language habits that reduce negativity
- A ready-to-use plan for your next team session
What delegates will be able to do
- Explain the principles of appreciative inquiry and how it differs from problem-focused change
- Reframe problem statements as positive, forward-looking questions
- Facilitate the 4-D cycle: discovery, dream, design and delivery
- Apply the 4-I model to everyday improvement conversations
- Conduct an appreciative interview and identify recurring themes
- Use a positive picture of the future, grounded in real data, to guide decisions
- Coach and manage staff by building on what works
- Build a team's positive core from its strengths and successes
Who should attend
Managers, team leaders, HR and organisational development practitioners, coaches and change agents – anyone who leads meetings, runs improvement or change projects, or wants a more constructive way to develop people and teams.
Course outline
Day 1 – Appreciative inquiry in practice
Introducing appreciative inquiry
- What appreciative inquiry is and where the approach comes from
- Building on strengths to create a better future
- Getting people thinking positively about change
- How changing individuals changes the organisation
- Case study
Changing the way you think and speak
- From 'what is wrong?' to 'what is working?'
- Holding up successes rather than only fixing mistakes
- How language shapes people's thinking
- Replacing phrases such as 'I'll try' and 'I can't'
- Case study
The 4-D and 4-I models
- Discovery: what gives life to the team
- Dream: what could be
- Design: what should be
- Delivery: making it happen
- The 4-I model: initiate, inquire, imagine and innovate
- Choosing the right model for the situation
The appreciative interview
- Framing positive questions
- Drawing out stories of success
- Finding out what works and why
- Recognising recurring themes
- Paired interview practice
Positive imagery and anticipation
- How a picture of success shapes today's decisions
- Keeping negative expectations in check
- Grounding the vision in data and real examples
- Being better prepared for setbacks
- Using positive imagery to lift performance
Leading with appreciative inquiry
- Using strengths to solve current challenges
- Coaching and managing around what works
- Recognising the best in people and cutting negative comments
- Mapping the team's positive core: its strengths, best practice, high points and successes
- Action plan, evaluation and close
How it is delivered
One day, 08:30-16:00. In person at your offices anywhere in South Africa, at a BOTI venue, or live online. One delegate or a group of up to 20; in-house groups can use a real change topic for the practice. Workbook, question bank and an action plan included. We deliver it at your offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and anywhere else in South Africa, at a BOTI venue in Johannesburg, or live online for teams in different places.
What our clients say
★★★★★ 4.8 on Google from 790+ reviews · word-for-word quotes from signed letters of reference, from clients on this and/or related BOTI courses
“We were particularly impressed by the quality of facilitation and the practical relevance of the content presented. The programme was delivered with professionalism, clarity, and a strong emphasis on real-world application”
“The course was efficiently organized and aligned with our schedule. We were impressed by the quality of the training and the expertise of the facilitator.”
“They were very professional, and they never failed us at any point during the process. They have met our expectations with both trainings.”
Frequently asked questions
Can you run this course at our offices?
Yes. Most groups are trained at the client's premises anywhere in South Africa; we can also host it at a BOTI venue or deliver it live online.
How many people can attend?
From one delegate to groups of about 20. The price per delegate drops as the group grows – see the price table, or ask us for a quote.
Is it accredited?
No. It is a non-accredited short course and delegates receive a BOTI certificate of attendance.
Does appreciative inquiry ignore problems?
No. Problems still get dealt with, but the starting point is what already works. Teams usually find solutions faster, and with less resistance, when they build on their own successes.
Can the practice use a real change in our organisation?
Yes. In-house groups can work through the 4-D cycle on a current change or improvement topic, so the day produces usable ideas as well as skills.
Can you run this course in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban?
Yes. We train on site at your offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and across South Africa, at a BOTI venue in Johannesburg, or live online so a team spread over several offices can attend together.
Related courses
Ask a consultant for a written quote
A BOTI consultant emails you a written quote, usually within 15 minutes (Mon–Fri, 08:00–17:00). After hours, we reply on the next working day. To speak to someone now, call 011 882 8853.
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