Introduction
The Appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach embodies a revolutionary management philosophy that asserts the power of human thought and perspective in shaping performance across personal, professional, and organizational realms. At its essence, an organization is a dynamic assembly of individuals whose actions and interactions are guided by a tapestry of formal regulations and informal norms. Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital stands as a beacon of excellence in medical education, yet to elevate the engagement and commitment of its staff, a transformative two-day training session, titled “Appreciative Inquiry for Positive Performance,” was held in concert with the Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS) on March 15-16, 2019, in Tansen Palpa. This report captures the profound insights and rich opportunities for growth that emerged from this enlightening experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekxTP5dEzTk
Inaugural Session
The formal proceedings commenced at 10 AM in Lecture Hall No. 5, graced by the inaugural address of Mr. Gopal Bahadur Pokharel, the esteemed president of the college. The atmosphere was imbued with enthusiasm as Prof. Dr. Singh, the academic chair, presided over the session. Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant, the chief academic advisor, passionately articulated the aspirations and core objectives underpinning the training, underscoring the indispensable role of Appreciative Inquiry within the institutional framework.
Dr. Rajiv Duwedi, the principal, further illuminated the significance of AI in enhancing both individual performance and organizational excellence. After a compelling inauguration, Dr. Ram Chandra Lamichhane, CEO of ERIPS, took the helm to guide participants through the methodologies of Appreciative Inquiry, laying the groundwork for a transformative learning experience.
Meaning Making of the Situation
At the heart of Appreciative Inquiry lies an empowering belief—within every challenge resides an opportunity for value discovery. Identifying the positive dimensions of any situation is vital for effective problem-solving; overlook this, and the path to understanding may become obscured. In light of this principle, a dynamic brainstorming session engaged participants in a journey of reflection, allowing them to uncover and articulate the essence of their experiences within the organization.
Affirmative Topic Choice
In an insightful dialogue with Mr. Pokharel, participants explored the potential pathways to elevate Lumbini Medical College as the pinnacle of medical education in Nepal. This collaborative meeting culminated in the selection of the affirmative topic, “Appreciative Inquiry for Positive Performance,” encapsulating a collective conviction that the enhanced performance of each staff member would significantly uplift the entire institution.
As Simon Sinek wisely states, “Great leaders inspire action.” By nurturing a culture of positivity and collaboration, the staff of Lumbini Medical College is poised to unleash its full potential and guide the institution towards unparalleled excellence.
Paradigm Shift of Thinking
Historically, organizations have often fixated on failures and shortcomings. The prevailing mindset that “failure is the pillar of success” frequently results in a blame-driven culture that hinders growth and stifles innovation. The training sought to catalyze a paradigm shift—one that invites participants to shift their focus from deficiencies to the powerful recognition of successes.
By honoring accomplishments—regardless of their size—employees can better appreciate their individual contributions and foster collaborative relationships. Dr. Chet Raj Pant insightfully remarked, “When we truly appreciate each other’s strengths, we forge an unbreakable bond that empowers the entire organization.”
Embracing Change in a Dynamic World
In a world characterized by rapid evolution, organizations must embrace change to flourish. The last 15 years have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of medical education, and the efforts of Lumbini Medical College can serve as a catalyst for further advancements over the next decade. As Peter Drucker astutely observed, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence itself; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.”
Lumbini Medical College is positioned to embrace innovation and foster meaningful collaboration, paving the way for its emergence as a leading institution in medical education and practice, with the ultimate ambition of inspiring global transformation.
Discovery of Positive Cores and Strengths
Lumbini Medical College boasts a wealth of invaluable assets characterized by its skilled and dedicated workforce. The institution’s strengths lie in its well-educated, professional, and committed team of around 400 full-time staff members who come from diverse academic and social backgrounds. Their punctuality, dedication, and eagerness to acquire new knowledge contribute significantly to a high level of patient satisfaction and trust in treatment.
The college delivers exceptional academic services across various levels, particularly in Nursing, MBBS, and other degree programs, supported by harmonious interdepartmental relationships and coordinated efforts. The success of the institution stems from the effective application of learned knowledge, teamwork, professionalism, and a clear organizational strategy that aligns with its vision and goals.
Over the last 14 years, Tansen Prabas has transformed from a barren landscape into a thriving community featuring a modern, well-equipped hospital with a capacity of 600 beds, offering advanced medical technologies and specialty services. The hospital not only provides essential health services but also educational opportunities for students, conducts research on diseases and treatment methods, offers scholarships to deserving students, and engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives for the local community.
As it moves forward, Lumbini Medical College has the potential to become a leading institution by continuing to provide exceptional care, pioneering new medical treatments, and shaping effective health policies.
“The discovery process prompted individuals to explore their best qualities, enhance their medical college departments, and improve services. Through interviews, participants experienced joy, satisfaction, and a deep sense of connection. This process also fostered mutual respect and the sharing of successful experiences. For the first time, it offered a chance to evaluate and appreciate strengths.” Dr. Rajiv Dubedi, the college principal.
Vision 2028: Defining Future Aspirations
Empowered by the discovery process, participants articulated a bold, shared vision for Lumbini Medical College by 2028: “A globally trusted and prestigious medical academic institution.” This ambitious vision incorporates:
- Innovative leadership in the health profession
- Cutting-edge, practical, and contemporary educational programs
- A harmonious blend of scientific rigor and spiritual excellence in education and treatment
- Promotion of research initiatives to formulate equitable and culturally informed health policies
New Organizational Values
The foundation of this vision is reinforced by newly articulated core values:
- Teamwork: Cultivating collaboration to enhance quality across all endeavors.
- Excellence: Maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional integrity.
- Accountability: Promoting responsible resource management and fostering a culture of responsiveness.
- Innovation: Encouraging a culture of creativity and knowledge-driven advancements.
- Diversity: Celebrating and nurturing a rich tapestry of cultural, intellectual, and social backgrounds.
- Community Focus: Strengthening connections to the community through dedicated service and advocacy for health equity.
Design of Dynamic Organizational System of LMC
Provocative Proposition: LMC is a globally trusted and respected medical institution, known for its extensive research contributions and reliable, effective treatments.
Goal 2028: “A globally trusted and prestigious medical academic institution.”
Objectives:
- Develop new cancer treatments and focus on creating an anti-cancer vaccine.
- Implement patient-friendly treatments and reduce maternal and child mortality in Palpa, Gulmi, Arghkhachi, and Syangaja through collaboration with government and non-government sectors.
- Strengthen the research department to invent new medicines and treatment systems for HIV.
To achieve its aspirations for 2028, Lumbini Medical College identified strategic systemic changes that would facilitate the alignment of strengths and fostering of innovative practices. Key elements include:
- Leadership: Cultivating a networked governance model that embraces transparency, inclusivity, and participatory decision-making.
- Linkages and Networks: Establishing partnerships and collaborations with organizations both locally and internationally to enhance mutual benefits.
- Organizational Culture: Creating an environment that celebrates optimism, creativity, and positive relationships.
- Resource Mobilization: Leveraging diverse resources—human capital, materials, and technology—to effectively pursue strategic goals.
- Organization Structure: LMC’s organizational structure is designed to direct activities effectively toward achieving its 2028 goals. It encompasses clear rules, roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities, ensuring efficiency, flexibility, innovation, and a commitment to care. The structure features a decentralized approach and circular information flows to support decision-making at all levels.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring and Evaluation at LMC drive performance improvements and goal achievement. LMC implements a comprehensive system for monitoring and evaluating all departments, alongside a robust performance management system.
Delivery: Action Steps Forward
To realize this transformative vision, decisive action steps must be undertaken:
- Bolstering the research and development department.
- Expanding network collaborations and partnerships.
- Enhancing staff competencies in leadership and innovation.
- Instituting robust performance monitoring and evaluation processes.
Conclusion
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is pivotal in transforming medical colleges by shifting the focus from mere problem-solving to harnessing and amplifying existing strengths and successes. At Lumbini Medical College, AI cultivates a positive organizational culture where faculty, staff, and students are motivated to explore and utilize their best attributes, fostering collaboration and innovation. This approach drives continuous improvement by aligning everyone with the college’s vision. The recent two-day training on “Appreciative Inquiry for Positive Performance” has been a catalyst for this transformation, instilling deep confidence, creativity, and a unified commitment among the staff. Embracing AI principles has reinvigorated our collective enthusiasm and dedication, propelling us toward our ambitious goal of becoming a globally renowned medical institution by 2028, and setting us on a path to unprecedented success and distinction.
Recommendations for Continued Growth
To sustain momentum and reinforce the valuable insights gained, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Comprehensive training on Appreciative Inquiry for all department heads.
- A follow-up refresher session to assess progress and recalibrate objectives.
- Tailored training modules focusing on patient care and hospital management.
- Establishing mentorship programs that promote positive motivation and professional development.
Reflections from Participants
- “This program was a magnetic experience; I found myself compelled to participate despite other commitments. It was truly transformative.” – Dr. Neeraj Thapa.
- “The insights gained are invaluable, extending beyond our institution and relevant to policymakers as well.” – Dr. Samata Nepal Atreya.
- “The program opened our eyes to new perspectives, rekindling our collective purpose within the college.” – Ms. Mamata Koirala.
- “The training illuminated our pathways to professional excellence and inspired a commitment to quality service through a positive lens.” – Dr. Chet Raj Joshi.
- “We uncovered strengths that we previously overlooked, and this newfound appreciation is empowering.” – Prof. Dr. Bhagawat.
- “The training ignited a creative spirit in us, enabling us to envision a vibrant and prosperous future for LMC.” – Prof. Dr. Radip Duwedi.
- “This initiative has reinforced the importance of professionalism and accountability, vital to our growth as a cohesive team.” – Ms. Bandana
- “Harnessing the tools and techniques we learned will yield outstanding results—my sincere gratitude to Dr. Lamichhane for his exceptional guidance.” – Prof. Dr. Singh.
- Dr. RC Lamichhane’s facilitation of the Appreciative Inquiry training has been nothing short of exceptional. His adept guidance and insightful approach have maximized the impact of the training, ensuring that participants fully grasp the transformative potential of AI. — Mr. Gopal Bahadur Pokharel
- Dr. Lamichhane’s expertise in leading engaging and thought-provoking sessions has not only inspired confidence and enthusiasm among the staff but has also laid a strong foundation for implementing AI principles effectively. His facilitation has been instrumental in catalyzing a collective commitment to excellence at Lumbini Medical College, setting the stage for a renewed and robust pursuit of the college’s vision of becoming a globally acclaimed medical institution by 2028. ——Nirdosh Khanal
Ultimately, the outcomes of this workshop establish a solid foundation for ongoing development, cohesion, and inspirational leadership. Together, as an empowered team, the staff of Lumbini Medical College will navigate the journey toward becoming a symbol of medical excellence and innovation. Echoing the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
