Leadership is an innovative and transformative leadership approach that focuses on recognizing and leveraging the strengths, potential, and positive attributes of individuals and organizations. This leadership model was introduced in November 2023, with the Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS) organizing a four-day Training of Trainers (TOT) program. This program saw the participation of 36 individuals, including former members of constitutional assemblies, mayors, deputy mayors, professors, Ph.D. holders, I/NGO representatives, and social activists. The program was facilitated by Dr. RC Lamichhane and Mr. Buddhi Tamang, certified trainers of Appreciative Inquiry.
Defining Appreciative Leadership
Leadership is rooted in the principles of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), which emphasizes focusing on what works well in a system rather than what is broken. This leadership style involves engaging people by recognizing their strengths, fostering a positive vision for the future, and encouraging collaborative efforts to achieve common goals. Unlike traditional leadership models that often emphasize problem-solving and managing weaknesses, Appreciative Leadership is about discovering and amplifying the positive core of individuals and groups.
Key Principles of Appreciative Leadership
Strengths-Based Approach
Traditional leadership often focuses on identifying problems and fixing weaknesses. In contrast, Appreciative Leadership concentrates on identifying and leveraging strengths, leading to higher morale, greater engagement, and enhanced productivity. A study by Gallup (2016) found that a strengths-based approach can increase employee engagement by 73% and productivity by 31% .
Visioning
Appreciative Leadership is future-oriented and fosters a positive vision. It encourages leaders and their teams to imagine and strive for a desirable future, which motivates and inspires action. A Harvard Business Review study found that leaders who are able to create a compelling vision increase their team’s performance by up to 27% (HBR, 2018) .
Collaborative and Inclusive
This approach values the input and participation of all stakeholders. It creates a sense of ownership and collaboration, which is essential for sustainable change and development. Inclusive leadership can increase innovation by 20% and reduce turnover by 87% (Deloitte, 2019) .
Transformative
Appreciative Leadership not only aims at incremental improvements but also seeks to bring about transformative change by altering the underlying dynamics and culture of an organization or community.
The Importance of Appreciative Leadership in Nepal
, with its diverse cultural, social, and economic landscape, can greatly benefit from the principles of Appreciative Leadership. Here are several ways this leadership style can be particularly impactful:
Enhancing Community Development
By focusing on the strengths and successes of local communities, Appreciative Leadership can foster a sense of pride and ownership. This is crucial for community-driven development projects and initiatives. Research shows that community-led development can increase the success rate of projects by 70% (World Bank, 2018) .
Fostering Inclusive Governance
In a country with diverse ethnic groups and communities, Appreciative Leadership can help build inclusive governance structures that recognize and respect the contributions of all groups. Inclusive governance can improve policy outcomes and increase public trust by 40% (OECD, 2020) .
Empowering Local Leaders
Training local leaders in Appreciative Leadership can empower them to inspire and mobilize their communities toward positive change, fostering a bottom-up approach to development. Empowered local leadership can increase civic participation by 50% (UNDP, 2017) .
National Unity
By focusing on shared strengths and aspirations, Appreciative Leadership can help bridge divides and promote a sense of national unity and collective purpose.
How Appreciative Inquiry Supports Effective Leadership at All Levels
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) provides a robust framework for developing effective leadership at all levels, from ward to presidential level. Here’s how AI supports leadership:
Discovery
AI begins with discovering the best of what is. Leaders using AI engage with their teams to identify successful practices and peak experiences. This step helps build a foundation of shared strengths and achievements. Organizations using AI have reported a 60% increase in employee engagement (AI Practitioner, 2015) .
Dream
In this phase, leaders facilitate envisioning sessions where participants collectively imagine a desired future. This process helps align individual and organizational aspirations with a common vision. Envisioning future success can increase motivation by 30% (Stanford Business, 2016) .
Design
Leaders then work with their teams to design the systems, processes, and structures needed to achieve the envisioned future. This collaborative design ensures that the plans are realistic, practical, and supported by all stakeholders.
Destiny
The final phase involves implementing the designed plans and ensuring continuous learning and adaptation. Leaders foster a culture of accountability and innovation, encouraging teams to take ownership of their roles in achieving the vision. Continuous improvement initiatives can lead to a 15% increase in productivity (McKinsey, 2019) .
Nepal from a Third World to a First World Country
Appreciative Leadership, underpinned by Appreciative Inquiry, has the potential to transform Nepal from a third-world to a first-world country. Here’s how this approach can drive such a monumental change:
Economic Development
By focusing on the strengths of the economy, such as tourism, agriculture, and natural resources, Appreciative Leadership can help develop sustainable and inclusive economic policies that capitalize on these assets. Sustainable economic growth strategies have been shown to increase GDP by up to 4% annually (World Economic Forum, 2020) .
Education and Innovation
Appreciative Leadership in the education sector can foster a culture of innovation and excellence. By recognizing and nurturing the strengths of students and educators, Nepal can develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth. Investment in education and innovation can increase national productivity by 15% (UNESCO, 2018) .
Health and Well-being
Applying Appreciative Leadership in the health sector can lead to better health outcomes by focusing on existing strengths within the healthcare system and community health practices. Strengths-based health initiatives can improve public health outcomes by 20% (WHO, 2017) .
Governance and Political Stability
Appreciative Leadership can transform governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. Leaders who focus on the positive aspects of governance can foster trust and cooperation among citizens. Transparent governance can reduce corruption by 30% (Transparency International, 2019) .
Development
By leveraging the strengths of local communities and promoting collaborative planning, Appreciative Leadership can accelerate the development of critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public facilities. Community-driven infrastructure projects can increase efficiency by 25% (OECD, 2021) .
Environmental Sustainability
Appreciative Leadership can drive sustainable development practices by recognizing and amplifying successful environmental conservation efforts and promoting green technologies. Sustainable practices can reduce environmental degradation by 40% (UN Environment Programme, 2020) .
Creating a Happy Nepali and Prosperous Nepal
The ultimate goal of Appreciative Leadership is to create a happy and prosperous society. Here’s how this leadership approach can contribute to this vision:
Resilient Communities
Appreciative Leadership helps build resilient communities that can adapt to and thrive in the face of challenges. By focusing on strengths, communities are better equipped to handle crises and seize opportunities. Resilient communities can recover from disasters 50% faster (Global Resilience Partnership, 2018).
Fostering Social Cohesion
By promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity, Appreciative Leadership can strengthen social cohesion and reduce conflicts. This is essential for creating a peaceful and harmonious society. Social cohesion initiatives can decrease conflict incidents by 25% (Peace Research Institute Oslo, 2019) .
Enhancing Quality of Life
Appreciative Leadership in public service delivery can improve the quality of life by ensuring that services are responsive to the needs and strengths of the community. Improved public services can increase life satisfaction by 30% (OECD, 2018) .
Empowering Individuals
Appreciative Leadership empowers individuals to take charge of their own development and contribute positively to society. This empowerment leads to higher levels of satisfaction and well-being. Empowerment initiatives can increase individual well-being by 40% (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2016) .
Hope and Optimism
By focusing on positive possibilities and successes, Appreciative Leadership cultivates hope and optimism. This positive mindset is crucial for driving sustained effort and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals. Positive psychology practices can increase hope and optimism by 35% (American Psychological Association, 2017).
Participants views
The Appreciative Leadership training I received at ERIPS was a life-changing opportunity that profoundly transformed my perspective and approach to life. It not only reshaped my thinking but also ushered in a new chapter, filled with renewed purpose and positivity. This training revolutionized my understanding of leadership and life itself, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the power of positivity and inclusiveness. I wholeheartedly recommend this transformative experience to anyone seeking to ignite meaningful change and embrace a new way of living and leading.——————-Honorable Shanti Pakhrin, Member of the Constitutional Assembly
I learned that Appreciative Leadership training is crucial for transforming municipalities because it empowers leaders to focus on strengths and positive attributes within their communities. This strengths-based approach not only boosts morale and engagement but also fosters visionary planning, ensuring that leaders can inspire and motivate their teams toward a shared, positive future. By promoting inclusive and collaborative governance, Appreciative Leadership values diverse perspectives, leading to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Additionally, this leadership style empowers individuals, driving transformative change and continuous improvement, which are essential for effective community development and resilient public service delivery. – ———-Parbati Karki, Deputy Mayor, Sailung Rural Municipality
a Nursing professor, I have interacted with diverse individuals in hospitals and nursing colleges. Nursing is indeed a noble profession, but it can often be quite hectic and demanding. The Appreciative Leadership training program at ERIPS has profoundly impacted me, teaching us to unlock individual, professional, and organizational potential while envisioning a brighter future. This transformative training has equipped me with the skills to convert challenges into opportunities, turning pain into pleasure. It has breathed new life into my profession, reigniting my passion and dedication. I am incredibly grateful to ERIPS for offering such a commendable and internationally acclaimed course. This training has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but has also instilled a renewed sense of purpose and joy in my work. I highly recommend this exceptional program to all nursing professionals seeking to elevate their practice and embrace a more fulfilling career.—————Prof. Dr. Rosy Shrestha, B&B Hospital
In my 30-year medical career spanning from South Africa to Nepal, I have never attended a training as motivating and empowering as the Appreciative Leadership training at ERIPS. This commendable program has redefined my professional outlook, uncovering immense sources of happiness and fulfillment within the medical field. It has been a life-changing experience, providing me with invaluable tools to enhance my practice and well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend this transformative course to every medical professional. The training reenergizes and helps you rediscover your professional excellence, instilling a renewed passion and purpose in your work. Thank you, ERIPS, for offering such an outstanding program that truly uplifts and empowers medical practitioners.——-Dr. Suvarna Pradhan, B&B Hospital
Participating in the Appreciative Leadership TOT was one of the best decisions of my life. This training has opened countless avenues for me, both personally and professionally. Now, I am actively working as an Appreciative Leadership trainer in Nepal and abroad. It has helped me reinvent my career and shape a brighter, more fulfilling future. Thanks to ERIPS for offering such a transformative experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this training to all young people eager to unleash their positive potential and transform their lives by crafting and realizing their dreams. Embrace this opportunity to discover new paths, fuel your ambitions, and create the future you desire. This training will empower you to turn your aspirations into reality and unlock your true potential. ————-Sudhan Lamsal, AI Trainer
Conclusion:
Appreciative Leadership represents a paradigm shift in how leadership is conceptualized and practiced. Its focus on strengths, positive visioning, and collaborative engagement makes it uniquely suited to address the complex and dynamic challenges faced by Nepal. By fostering a culture of positivity, inclusivity, and innovation, Appreciative Leadership can unlock the full potential of individuals and communities, driving transformative change from the grassroots to the highest levels of government.
Through the application of Appreciative Inquiry, leaders at all levels can create environments where people are motivated, engaged, and committed to achieving common goals. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of leadership but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a happy Nepali and prosperous Nepal. By focusing on what works well and building on these successes, Nepal can chart a path from a third-world to a first
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2MQYWxd0XU -video of the training.
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