Why Appreciative Inquiry TOT is Important in Nepal and How This Training Can Foster Positive Societal Transformation

Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS) organized a 4-day “Appreciative Inquiry Training of Trainers” (AI TOT) from 22-25 November 2022, in response to the unprecedented social shifts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The training saw participation from 22 individuals representing various sectors including government, non-governmental organizations, media, academia, and business. This initiative aimed to harness the power of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) to foster transformative change and development, particularly within the municipal governance framework of Nepal.

The Essence of Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative Inquiry is a revolutionary approach that focuses on identifying and amplifying strengths rather than addressing problems and deficiencies. Unlike traditional problem-solving methods that emphasize weaknesses and gaps, AI seeks to discover what works well within a system and leverage those strengths to inspire positive change and growth. This strengths-based approach aligns with other positive change models and has proven effective in addressing contemporary developmental challenges.

Importance of AI TOT in Nepal

1. Fostering a Positive Leadership Mindset: The AI TOT is crucial for cultivating a leadership mindset that values and builds upon the strengths and capabilities of individuals and teams. In Nepal, where developmental challenges are often met with a problem-centric approach, AI offers a refreshing perspective by emphasizing what is working well. This shift from a deficit-based mindset to one that appreciates and leverages strengths can significantly enhance the effectiveness of municipal leaders and their teams.
2. Enhancing Organizational Culture: AI training promotes a culture of positivity and productivity within organizations. By focusing on positive aspects and strengths, participants learn to create an empowering work environment. This transformation at the organizational level is vital for municipal bodies in Nepal, as it can lead to improved employee morale, increased engagement, and higher levels of commitment to organizational goals.
3. Empowering Municipal Governance: Municipalities are at the forefront of local governance and development. The AI TOT equips municipal leaders with the skills to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. By engaging stakeholders in a positive dialogue and shared vision, municipalities can co-create developmental plans that are more inclusive, resilient, and aligned with the aspirations of the community.

Impacts of AI TOT on Municipal Development

1. Transformative Planning: AI TOT empowers municipal leaders to engage in transformative planning processes. The training emphasizes the 5D cycle of Appreciative Inquiry: Discovery, Dream, Design, Destiny, and Deployment. This structured approach helps municipalities uncover existing strengths, envision ideal futures, design actionable strategies, and implement plans effectively. Such an approach ensures that developmental plans are not only aspirational but also grounded in the realities and strengths of the community.
2. Building Resilient Communities: By focusing on strengths and positive experiences, AI fosters a sense of optimism and resilience within communities. Municipal leaders trained in AI can inspire their communities to see challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. This resilience is crucial for communities in Nepal, which often face socio-economic and environmental challenges.
3. Encouraging Stakeholder Engagement: AI encourages active participation and engagement from all stakeholders. In the municipal context, this means involving citizens, local businesses, NGOs, and other community members in the planning and development process. Such inclusive engagement ensures that the developmental plans are reflective of the community’s needs and aspirations, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among all stakeholders.

Studies: AI in Action in Nepal

1. Pokhara Metropolitan City: Under the leadership of Dr. RC Lamichhane, the AI approach was used to develop the three-year strategic plan for Pokhara Metropolitan City. The plan, which was endorsed by the metropolitan council and unveiled by President Bidhya Bhandari, emphasized strengths and positive experiences within the community. This inclusive and positive approach has set a benchmark for other municipalities in Nepal.
2. Biratnagar Metropolitan City and Others: Dr. Lamichhane’s expertise in AI has also been instrumental in formulating development plans for other municipalities such as Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Vimad Municipality, Bhimdutta Municipality, Belaka Municipality, and Rupa Rural Municipality. These plans have been characterized by their emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development, reflecting the core principles of Appreciative Inquiry.

Structure and Methodology

The AI TOT conducted by ERIPS was designed to provide both theoretical foundations and practical applications of Appreciative Inquiry. The training included:

• Interactive Presentations: Providing participants with an in-depth understanding of AI principles and the 5D cycle.
• Group Discussions: Facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Practical Activities: Engaging participants in exercises that helped them to identify strengths, envision ideal futures, and design actionable strategies.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Allowing participants to practice AI techniques in real-life scenarios, enhances their ability to apply these techniques in their work settings.

Participants’ view of AI TOT

Participants of the AI TOT reported significant enhancements in their leadership qualities and a shift towards a more positive and productive mindset. For instance:

Professor Sundar Gautam of Tribhuvan University experienced a significant paradigm shift after participating in the Appreciative Inquiry Training of Trainers (TOT). He described the training as a transformative turning point that altered his perspective from focusing on deficiencies to appreciating and valuing existing strengths. This new approach not only enhanced his professional outlook but also positively influenced his interactions with colleagues and students. By adopting an appreciative mindset, Professor Gautam found himself better equipped to foster a more positive and constructive environment in his academic and professional endeavors.

Ms. Shristhi Regmi, the Deputy Mayor of Budinanda Municipality, observed that the Appreciative Inquiry approach holds immense potential for transforming rural Nepal. She emphasized that this positive and strengths-based methodology can significantly enhance community engagement and development. By focusing on what works well and leveraging the inherent strengths of rural communities, Appreciative Inquiry can inspire collective action and sustainable growth. Deputy Mayor Regmi believes that such an approach not only fosters a more optimistic and proactive mindset among community members but also paves the way for innovative solutions to local challenges, ultimately leading to more resilient and thriving rural areas.

Seeta Bhatta, a lawyer, found the Appreciative Inquiry Training to be an incredible experience that fundamentally shifted her entire thinking paradigm. She highlighted how the training empowered her to see crises not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth and positive change. By focusing on strengths and possibilities rather than problems and deficiencies, she felt equipped to navigate challenges more effectively and creatively. This transformative perspective, according to Bhatta, is invaluable in her legal practice, as it allows her to better support her clients and contribute to a more constructive and hopeful societal outlook.

Durba BC, a senior journalist, discovered that the Appreciative Inquiry Training of Trainers (TOT) opened numerous new avenues to promote positive journalism, a crucial yet underappreciated aspect of the media landscape. Inspired by the training, Durba is now committed to seeking out and capitalizing on opportunities that foster positive journalism. This approach aims to shift the focus from sensationalism and negativity to stories that build hope, resilience, and community strength. By championing this transformative perspective, Durba aspires to lead a movement that emphasizes constructive narratives, ultimately contributing to a more optimistic and empowered society.

Januka Neupane, Social Activists, found that the Appreciative Inquiry Training of Trainers (TOT) provided profound insights into leading social movements in a positive way. This training illuminated the immense power of positive interpretation over negative connotation when addressing social issues. Armed with this new perspective, Dr. Neupane is now inspired to harness the strengths and potential within communities, driving transformative change through a lens of optimism and empowerment. The training underscored that focusing on what works well and amplifying those successes can generate more significant and sustainable impact than dwelling on problems and deficiencies.

Conclusion

The Appreciative Inquiry Training of Trainers is a transformative initiative that holds immense potential for fostering positive societal transformation in Nepal, particularly at the municipal level. By shifting the focus from problems to strengths, AI empowers municipal leaders to engage in more effective and inclusive planning processes. This approach not only enhances organizational culture and leadership qualities but also builds resilient and engaged communities.

As municipalities in Nepal continue to navigate the complexities of development and governance, the principles of Appreciative Inquiry can serve as a powerful tool for creating sustainable and positive change. The success of AI TOT initiatives, as demonstrated by the experiences of various municipalities, underscores the importance of adopting strengths-based approaches in municipal planning and development activities. Through continued investment in AI training and the application of its principles, Nepal can pave the way for a more optimistic, collaborative, and prosperous future for its communities.