Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Training of Trainers for Transformative Planning

Introduction

The Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS) orchestrated a four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Appreciative Inquiry (AI) for Transformative Planning in Kathmandu from April 6-9, 2024. The training was conducted by Ai Asian Expert Dr. RC Lamichhane and Mr. Buddhi Tamang. They both are certified trainers from CWRU USA.  This training included 16 participants from diverse sectors, encompassing government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), media, academia, and business. The training’s core focus was to impart the principles and practical application of AI in municipal planning and development activities, providing a robust framework for transformative, sustainable outcomes.

Participants found that Appreciative Inquiry is a potent approach to transformative planning. Unlike traditional methodologies that primarily address problems or deficiencies, AI emphasizes identifying and leveraging an organization’s strengths and positive experiences. This paradigm shift encourages a more holistic, optimistic, and productive mindset, fostering sustainable development and innovation. The participants effectively learned to apply AI principles and the 5 “D” cycle—Discovery, Dream, Design, Destiny, and Deployment—to formulate and implement transformative plans.

Training Process

The training employed the principles of Appreciative Inquiry to provide a comprehensive framework for transformative planning. By fostering a positive, collaborative, and adaptive approach, AI leads to sustainable growth and development. Focusing on what is already functioning well within an organization or community helps shift the mindset from a deficit-based approach to one emphasizing strengths and positive experiences. This shift not only inspires and motivates participants but also increases their engagement and commitment to the planning process.

During the training, the application of the 5 “D” cycle was rigorously practiced to apply in various situations:

1. Discovery: This initial phase involves identifying what is already working well within the organization or community. Participants engaged in open-ended questions that encouraged sharing positive experiences, successes, and moments of peak performance. This step helps uncover existing strengths and assets, setting a positive foundation for further planning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw27kh3k0t8  – Sucess stories

1. Dream: Stakeholders are encouraged to envision their ideal future, exploring what success looks like and articulating their aspirations and hopes. This step allows participants to develop a compelling vision that guides the planning process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewizNrnHLAg – VIdeo – Dream Excercise 

1. Design: Participants collaboratively design strategies and actions aligned with their envisioned future. Based on insights from the discovery and dream phases, specific initiatives, projects, and goals are identified to move closer to the desired future state.
2. Destiny: Planned actions are implemented with continuous monitoring of progress toward desired outcomes. This involves regular reflection, feedback, and adjustments to ensure the organization remains on track and aligned with its vision.
3. Deployment: Once the transformative plan is developed, effective communication and implementation throughout the organization or community are essential. This involves training, resource allocation, and ongoing support to ensure everyone is equipped to contribute to the plan’s success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS3FsnME_kU – Transformative Planning

Linking Appreciative Mindset to Municipal Planning and Development

Theoretical Foundation of Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative Inquiry is grounded in the theoretical foundations of social constructionism, positive psychology, and organizational development. Social constructionism posits that reality is constructed through language and interactions. In this context, AI focuses on the language of strengths and possibilities rather than deficits and problems. Positive psychology emphasizes the study of strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. AI applies these principles to organizational development, creating a positive framework for change.

Impact on Municipal Planning

1. Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Traditional planning approaches often encounter resistance due to their problem-centric focus. AI, by emphasizing positive experiences and strengths, fosters a more inclusive and engaging environment. Stakeholders are more likely to participate actively when the process highlights their contributions and successes. This increased engagement leads to more comprehensive and representative planning outcomes.
2. Fostering Innovation and Creativity: The AI process encourages stakeholders to envision an ideal future, which stimulates creativity and innovation. By focusing on what works well and building on it, participants are more likely to develop innovative solutions and strategies. This approach contrasts with problem-solving methods that may limit thinking to addressing specific issues.
3. Building Collaborative Networks: AI promotes collaboration among diverse stakeholders. By creating a shared vision and focusing on collective strengths, AI facilitates the development of collaborative networks. These networks are essential for the successful implementation of municipal plans, as they enable resource sharing, joint problem-solving, and coordinated actions.
4. Creating Sustainable Development Plans: AI’s focus on strengths and positive experiences ensures that development plans are grounded in what is already working well. This approach increases the likelihood of sustainability, as it builds on existing assets and successes. Furthermore, the continuous monitoring and adjustment phases (Destiny and Deployment) ensure that plans remain relevant and effective over time.

Evidence of AI’s Impact

Empirical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in various contexts, including organizational development, community planning, and educational settings. For instance, a study by Bushe (2011) found that AI interventions lead to significant improvements in organizational performance, employee satisfaction, and stakeholder engagement. Similarly, Cooperrider and Whitney (2005) documented numerous cases where AI facilitated transformative change in communities and organizations.

In the context of municipal planning, AI has been shown to enhance community resilience, foster social cohesion, and promote sustainable development. For example, an AI-based project in Cleveland, Ohio, focused on community revitalization, resulted in increased civic engagement, improved neighborhood conditions, and stronger community networks (Boyd & Bright, 2007).

Dr. RC Lamichhane, as Vice Chairperson of the City Planning Commission, spearheaded the three-year development planning process for Pokhara Metropolitan City using the Appreciative Inquiry approach. This methodology, focusing on identifying and leveraging strengths, resulted in a development plan that was endorsed by the Metropolitan Council and unveiled by President Bidhya Bhandari in a public ceremony.

Dr. Lamichhane’s expertise in Appreciative Inquiry has also been instrumental in formulating development plans for various other municipalities. His contributions include comprehensive planning for Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Vimad Municipality, Bhimdutta Municipality, Belaka Municipality, and Rupa Rural Municipality. In each instance, Dr. Lamichhane’s approach has fostered sustainable growth by emphasizing collaborative, strengths-based planning that engages community members and stakeholders positively and constructively. This methodology not only ensures the creation of innovative and resilient development strategies but also enhances community buy-in and long-term commitment to the implementation of these plans. Dr. Lamichhane’s work stands as a testament to the effectiveness of Appreciative Inquiry in municipal planning and development.

Case Studies and Testimonials

Several participants provided testimonials highlighting the transformative impact of the AI training on their approach to municipal planning and development:

Sita Thapa, Deputy Mayor of Chautara Sagagadhi Municipality: “Participating in the Appreciative Inquiry Training was truly inspiring. The training was well-structured with a mix of presentations, group discussions, and practical activities that kept me engaged throughout. I am now more equipped to involve our community in a positive and collaborative planning process.”

Khagendra Singh Dhami, Educational Department Head, Tokha Municipality: “The focus on strengths-based approaches to problem-solving and leadership was eye-opening. By shifting my mindset to focus on what is working well, I can create a more positive and productive work environment. This training has been a game-changer for our department.”

Dipa Pakhrin, Vice President, Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality: “Since completing the training, my approach to challenges has shifted to a positive outlook. I am more intentional about recognizing and leveraging the strengths of my team members. This has significantly improved our team’s morale and effectiveness.”

Lil Prakash Chand, Sub Editor, CIN/ACORAB: “The Appreciative Inquiry Training has been transformative for me, expanding my knowledge and skills and positively impacting my personal and professional growth. I am grateful for this impactful training program.”

Dr. Rekha Timilsina, the faculty of Patan Health Science Academy, “By focusing on strengths, aspirations, and positive experiences, Appreciative Inquiry can foster a sense of optimism, collaboration, and empowerment within the planning process, ultimately leading to more transformative and sustainable outcomes.”

Sushma Lamichhane the development activist, “The Appreciative Inquiry Training of Trainers for transformative planning has profoundly shifted our mindsets from a traditional problem-solving approach to one centered on Appreciative Inquiry. This paradigm shift emphasizes identifying and building on existing strengths, successes, and positive experiences rather than focusing solely on deficiencies and problems. By fostering an environment of positivity and collaboration, we become more adept at leveraging our communities’ and organizations’ inherent capabilities, leading to more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive planning processes.

Conclusion

Appreciative Inquiry offers a scientifically grounded, strengths-based approach to transformative planning and development. By emphasizing positive experiences, strengths, and collaborative engagement, AI fosters a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable planning process. The training provided by ERIPS demonstrated the practical application of AI principles and the 5 “D” cycle, empowering participants to develop and implement transformative plans effectively.

Municipalities adopting AI can expect enhanced stakeholder engagement, increased innovation, stronger collaborative networks, and more sustainable development outcomes. The empirical evidence supports AI’s effectiveness in various contexts, underscoring its potential to revolutionize municipal planning and development. The testimonials from training participants further highlight the transformative impact of AI on their professional practices and organizational outcomes.

In conclusion, the Appreciative Inquiry Training of Trainers for Transformative Planning offered by ERIPS represents a significant advancement in municipal planning and development. By fostering a positive and strengths-based approach, AI empowers communities to envision and achieve their ideal future, leading to lasting and meaningful change.

References

Boyd, N. M., & Bright, D. S. (2007). Appreciative Inquiry as a mode of action research for community psychology. Journal of Community Psychology, 35(8), 1019-1036.

Bushe, G. R. (2011). Appreciative Inquiry: Theory and critique. In D. Boje, B. Burnes, & J. Hassard (Eds.), The Routledge Companion to Organizational Change (pp. 87-103). London: Routledge.

Cooperrider, D. L., & Whitney, D. (2005). Appreciative Inquiry: A positive revolution in change. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Appendix

Training Agenda

1. Day 1: Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry and its theoretical foundations. Overview of the 5 “D” cycle.
2. Day 2: Discovery phase – Identifying strengths and positive experiences. Practical exercises and group discussions.
3. Day 3: Dream and Design phases – Envisioning the ideal future and developing strategic plans. Collaborative workshops.
4. Day 4: Destiny and Deployment phases – Implementing plans and continuous improvement. Role-playing and feedback sessions.