Last Saturday, I participated in a fantastic presentation on Appreciative Inquiry (AI) by Robyn Stratton-Berkessel. Even though I became familiar with this methodology some years ago, Robyn reminded me of the importance of continuously looking for the best in people: in their organisations and in the world around them. Robyn’s second book: “Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions: 21 Strength-based Workshops” was published in March this year.

AI is probably one of the best methodologies to facilitate change. In simple terms it is about asking the questions about what we value in order to build on what we have discovered. While listening to Robyn, I immediately thought about the brain having a bias towards the negatives more than the positives.

Biologically, it is possible that we are wired this way for self-preservation. However, in our daily lives, at work and at home, looking for problems and focusing on them can make the problems bigger than they really are.

Have you ever found yourself in meetings where people keep dwelling on how bad things are, how difficult it is to implement ideas, or, how little accountability others demonstrate.

I think the majority of us participate in these types of situations regularly. This has implications on our health and well being as it creates an environment of concern, worry and unnecessary stress.

Using AI questions such as “What is going well around here”,  “What ideas do you have that can be shared with others” and so on. Asking this type of question diverts the focus of attention and creates a more positive energy which can be channeled to find practical solutions.

Perhaps an extreme but good example of AI in action is the case of thirty unemployed workers who decided to restart the machines of an abandoned factory, following Argentina’s dramatic economic collapse in 2001. Director Avi Lewis, one of Canada’s most outspoken journalists and writer Naomi Klein produced the documentary called “The Take” to tell this story.

The workers occupied the factory of this bankrupt business creating new jobs in the ruins of the failed system. Their purpose was merely to continue using their skills and keep working to feed their families.

Facing the consequences of having to deal with courts, police and politicians, they decided to work in fixing up the factory and machinery and restarting production.

They did not sit to dwell on the difficulties they were facing. Instead, they organised themselves and developed a new cooperative business model. Years later, they are still working and they have the support of the customers and their community.

Despite all odds, they succeeded as they focused on the solution and not on the problem.

Originally posted on: 24 July 2010
Last updated on: 24 March 2024

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Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

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