Transformative leadership is a dynamic approach to leadership that seeks to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to achieve positive, sustainable change. Unlike conventional leadership styles that focus solely on performance or results, transformative leadership emphasizes vision, empathy, innovation, and inclusivity to drive meaningful progress. This type of leadership is not just about leading teams but about reshaping mindsets, creating environments that foster collaboration, and building resilience in individuals and communities. Recognizing the pressing need for such leadership, the Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS) organized transformative leadership training to equip Nepalese leaders with the tools to foster hope, adaptability, and innovation. By integrating Appreciative Inquiry (AI) into their curriculum, ERIPS has tailored its programs to help leaders discover hidden potentials within themselves and their organizations, enabling them to navigate challenges with optimism and purpose.
Why It Is Important to Transform Nepalese Societies Through Positive Interventions?
Nepal, despite its rich cultural heritage and natural resources, faces systemic challenges rooted in corruption, inequality, and limited capacity for effective governance. These issues are compounded by entrenched negative mindsets that stifle creativity and progress at various organizational levels. Positive interventions like the transformative leadership training organized by ERIPS are crucial to breaking this cycle. Such programs instill forward-thinking approaches, encouraging leaders to focus on opportunities rather than limitations. When leaders at all levels—government, private, and civil society—adopt a transformative and appreciative mindset, they become catalysts for societal change. This shift not only improves institutional efficiency and transparency but also fosters inclusive policies and practices. Ultimately, a network of transformative leaders can uplift entire communities, bridging gaps between policy and practice and ensuring sustainable development in Nepal.
The Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS) recently concluded its highly successful training program, Transformative Leadership and Positive Municipal Development through Appreciative Inquiry. Held at the serene River Valley Resort in Malekhu, with the backdrop of the Trishuli River, this immersive training attracted 20 participants, including Deputy Mayors, Chief Administrative Officers, legislative committee chairs, mediators, researchers, professors, NGO officials, and municipal staff from across Nepal.
The training, facilitated by certified Appreciative Inquiry (AI) practitioner Dr. R.C. Lamichhane, was lauded as a life-changing experience by attendees. The program, a hallmark of innovative design, aimed to empower leaders with a positive outlook, foster transformative thinking, and equip them with tools to drive meaningful change in their respective roles.
Key Highlights of the Training
A Structured Approach to Positivity and Reflection
Each day began at 5:00 AM with yoga and meditation, emphasizing the balance between mental clarity and physical health. Interactive sessions followed from 8:00 AM until late in the evening, often stretching to 9:30 PM, as participants remained energized and engaged.
Unique Learning Experience
Participants experienced dynamic learning methods, blending AI principles with hands-on exercises, storytelling, and collaborative problem-solving. Breaks were transformed into opportunities for table discussions, fostering continuous engagement. “Bharat Oli, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kapurkot Rural Municipality, expressed that the training had a profound impact on his mindset, sparking a deep desire to explore more about Appreciative Inquiry and its role in driving positive societal transformation. He shared that the experience not only reshaped his thinking but also ignited a passion for continuous learning and applying these principles for meaningful change.”
Transformative Insights from Participants
-
- Minakumari Khatiwada Paudel, Deputy Mayor of Urlabari Municipality, shared how the training awakened dormant positive energy within her and instilled a “can-do” attitude.
-
- Som Maya Thing, Deputy Mayor of Nijgadh Municipality, noted that while she had attended several workshops before, this program uniquely inspired her to envision big goals and take ownership with renewed positivity.
Life-Changing Impact
-
- Gokuli Kumari Regmi, Deputy Mayor of Thori Rural Municipality, found the program a source of lifelong enthusiasm, stating that the sessions offered her a profound understanding of how small efforts could yield transformative impacts.
- Ram Bahadur Basnet, Vice Chair of Siddhakumakh Rural Municipality, described the training as his first experience of such an international-level program that fundamentally shifted his mindset and approach to municipal leadership.
Appreciative Inquiry in Practice: Examples and Applications
Empowering Leadership in Municipal Governance:
The training introduced participants to AI’s four-D cycle: Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny. Through this lens, attendees explored innovative ways to approach governance challenges. For instance, Deputy Mayor Som Maya Thing shared how she plans to initiate a community development project in her municipality by first identifying existing strengths and opportunities rather than focusing solely on problems. Her newfound understanding of AI’s positive core approach enabled her to frame goals collaboratively with stakeholders.
Creating a Positive Impact on Social Work
Social leaders like Hem Bik, Chair of Dalit Development Society, expressed their determination to apply AI tools to amplify grassroots initiatives. Inspired by the training, Hem shared his intention to use strength-based storytelling to build confidence in marginalized communities and foster collaboration for local development projects.
Practical Skills for Mediation and Conflict Resolution
For mediators like Manju Karki, the training provided a unique framework for addressing conflicts constructively. Manju noted that the AI principles taught her to seek opportunities within challenges, enhancing her ability to mediate disputes with empathy and optimism.
Positive Journalism and Communication
Experienced journalists Chhina Thapa and Rajan Ruchal highlighted how the training transformed their perspective on journalism. With AI, they plan to pivot toward positive journalism, focusing on hope-inspiring narratives and community success stories, fostering a culture of optimism in media.
Broader Implications for Nepal’s Development
Despite ample resources and repeated political changes, Nepal has struggled to achieve sustainable development due to entrenched negativism and outdated leadership approaches. This training underscored that the root of societal and organizational transformation lies in shifting individual and collective mindsets toward positivity and collaboration. Mr. Kharkabir Roka and Mr. Mitralal Kathayat found the training to be precious, as it provided transformative insights that they believe will greatly benefit their respective municipalities. They appreciated how the training encouraged innovative thinking and offered practical tools for fostering positive change, equipping them to address challenges more effectively while working towards sustainable development in their communities.
Quality Municipal Governance
Through AI training, municipal leaders can rethink their policy-making and project implementation approach. For instance, Prahlad Rizal, Ward Chair of Chandragiri Municipality, emphasized that extending such transformative programs to all municipal leaders and staff could revolutionize local governance, improving accountability and impact.
Inclusive Development
Programs like this inspire leaders to engage with marginalized groups and ensure equity in development processes. Deputy Mayor Ram Bahadur Basnet shared his resolve to integrate AI tools into his municipality’s planning processes, ensuring inclusion and sustainability in all projects.
Education and Organizational Development
AI can also profoundly impact schools and organizations. Participants recognized its potential to foster collaborative environments where every individual feels valued, leading to better organizational outcomes. Dr. Kumar Acharya, a Senior Advocate and experienced trainer in community mediation, found the training immensely successful in providing fresh perspectives for addressing issues through a positive lens. He highlighted how the approach deepened his understanding and equipped him with innovative strategies to foster constructive resolutions and promote community harmony.
Voices from Participants
The feedback from participants painted a vivid picture of how the training instilled hope, confidence, and vision:
- “This training feels like discovering a hidden treasure within myself. I now understand that the future can be shaped by our positive outlook and collective strength.” — Mimshara Bam Usha, Former Deputy Mayor, Raskot Municipality.
- “AI is not just a framework but a life philosophy. It has redefined how I approach problems and create solutions.” — Gita Silwal, Mediator and Activist.
- “I feel like a magnet pulled towards positive energy. These four days have shown me that true transformation begins with a shift in perspective.” — Shanta Nepali, Social Worker.
A Call to Action for Broader Implementation
The training concluded with a collective realization: widespread adoption of AI training across all sectors is essential for Nepal’s holistic development. Participants advocated for scaling the program to reach other municipal leaders, educators, and professionals nationwide.
Dr. R.C. Lamichhane, reflecting on the training, emphasized:“The power of Appreciative Inquiry lies in its ability to ignite hope and inspire action. When leaders embrace positivity and align their strengths with their aspirations, transformative change becomes inevitable.”
Conclusion
The ERIPS training on Transformative Leadership and Positive Municipal Development has set a benchmark for leadership development programs in Nepal. By equipping participants with tools to harness positivity, the program has sown seeds of change that will ripple through municipalities, organizations, and communities. As participants return to their respective roles, carrying with them the vision and skills to create meaningful impact, the training stands as a testament to the potential of Appreciative Inquiry in building an inclusive, empowered, and progressive society.
