Author:KeyTalk/Source:KeyTalkhttp://www.keytalk.com.cn/wap/news/show-748.html
Appreciative Inquiry: Reshaping the Future
——A record of Nepal’s national treasure AI master’s exploration journey
The highly anticipated public lecture, “Appreciative Inquiry: Reshaping the Future,” hosted by the Sichuan Federation of Enterprises, organized by Chengdu Key Dialogue Management Consulting Co., Ltd., and co-organized by the Deyang Corporate Culture Research Association, the Sichuan Human Resources Club, and the Southwest MBA Elite Club, took place as scheduled at 9:20 AM on October 31, 2017, in Conference Room 301 of the Sichuan Women’s Cadre School. Chengdu’s sudden drop in temperature didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for learning, and the island-style classroom, divided into groups of ten, packed the 120 students.
This AI (Appreciative Inquiry) course attracted not only participants from Sichuan but also participants from Beijing and Guiyang. Guiyang teacher Bai Guihai was interviewed by a Key Dialogue volunteer: “Why is this course so appealing that he flew all the way from Guizhou to join us on this joyful journey of inquiry? And what does he hope to gain?” Mr. Bai admitted that he works in business management, and the word “appreciation” in the theme of “Appreciative Inquiry” resonated deeply. Mr. Bai explained, “Appreciation doesn’t mean preaching, imposing, indoctrinating, or brainwashing. Appreciative Inquiry has many applications, and I hope to see practical methods and tools to help us in life and the workplace.”
At 9:20 AM, Ms. Zhang Yanli, the head of Key Dialogue and the organizer of the AI Journey, introduced Dr. RC, who had come from afar, in a concise yet dignified manner. She also extended a warm welcome on behalf of the organizers and co-organizers. Ms. Zhang then explained the benefits of the course: AI Appreciative Inquiry is a management science and philosophy proven effective through exploration and long-term practice. She hopes to bring it back to her hometown of Sichuan, promoting the efficient development of organizations there and providing guidance for personal growth. Chengdu Key Dialogue also hopes to promote the development of individuals, businesses, and society as a whole through a virtuous cycle of organizational co-creation, talent development, organizational development, and leadership building.
Teacher Zhang discussed the development and application of popular team facilitation techniques within enterprises. For example, at Dongfeng Nissan’s Guangzhou base, there are over 800 facilitators among a workforce of over 20,000. Facilitation has become a daily management tool within the company, becoming a natural part of its management process. Many managers may wonder: Can imported management techniques truly be effective? Will Western management theories and tools fail to adapt to local circumstances? Can they be successfully implemented in China? Teacher Zhang’s further explanation dispelled these concerns: Our practical experience with local Sichuan enterprises has proven that these techniques can significantly promote both organizational and individual development. Just as SPOT team facilitation and AI (Appreciative Inquiry) are based on positive psychology and social dynamics, these tools, interdisciplinary approaches based on psychology and management, are more adaptable. Whether in foreign or domestic enterprises, large or small, these new management approaches can enhance organizational development, help employees enjoy their work, and help them find personal fulfillment.
After Professor Zhang’s introduction, everyone was even more excited to see Dr. RC from Nepal, the cloud nation. He is the first person to introduce AI appreciative inquiry to China. Speaking of this opportunity, Dr. RC will be attending the Broadcast Media Asia Forum in Chengdu, China on November 1st. Taking a day out of his busy schedule to share his research findings, helping more managers understand AI, is a significant achievement and demonstrates Dr. RC’s passion and sense of mission in promoting AI. The course is divided into four modules, each with exercises and interactions. Whether it is a pair, a trio, a group discussion, or a speech by a group representative, the creation of the entire venue is very enjoyable and immersive. It is not so much the credit of Dr. RC as it is the result of the active co-creation of all the students, which also reflects the value and uniqueness of this course.
A master is a master. Dr. RC immediately articulated the course’s theme and benefits: focusing on the “what” of AI appreciative inquiry and the “how” of applying AI in life and work. This perfectly aligned with Professor Bai’s expectations. Through numerous interactive exercises, including experiencing conflict and confronting internal feelings, and discussing the past, present, and future, Dr. RC gently engaged students through storytelling, engaging them in deep reflection on what shapes our present and our future, leading them step by step toward inner inquiry, transformation, and breakthrough. Dr. RC also shared his own journey, from a 16-year-old who first saw a lightbulb grow to an outstanding contributor awarded the highest honor by the nation’s president. He also shared his journey from the initial shock of AI 20 years ago to his successful application of AI theory to help build Nepal’s premier university.
The morning’s brain-teasing and enjoyable class concluded at 12:30 PM. The afternoon session began promptly at 1:30 PM. Dr. RC donned a traditional Nepalese hat, typically worn for VIP receptions. This small change sparked curiosity for the afternoon session. Dr. RC began the afternoon’s journey of inquiry by guiding us through a relationship issue we’d most like to address during our morning practice. Starting with our on-site students, the teacher asked everyone, “What was your first experience as a parent, seeing your child?” From there, the class explored our fixed focus: are we focused on the past or the future, on problems or aspirations, and on addressing our weaknesses or leveraging our strengths? During the “Write a Letter to Your Present Self from Your 75-Year-Old Self” exercise, the students were deeply immersed in reflection. Particularly impressive was Ye Xinyu, a 20-year-old graduate student (she said she skipped class specifically to attend this workshop). She envisioned herself at 30, leaving the professionals in the room amazed. Then there was another unassuming man, yet he harbored a boundless dream of supporting 100,000 people through philanthropy! Of course, there were also working mothers with small, personal dreams who hoped to raise two children who would play important roles in the world. Another student asked, “I’m afraid to write, worried I won’t be able to realize it. What can I do?” The entire discussion erupted in excitement. Unable to contain his inner urge, Professor Wang Nianshan, without giving Dr. RC a chance to directly answer, jumped in to explain: “If you don’t dare to write, you’ll have even less chance of realizing your dreams. Once you’ve written them down and realized them, you can share them with your friends and empower others.” The three realms of dreams: “First, pretend you are. If you act as if you are, then you are!” The class atmosphere was lively and positive! The summary of this 75-year achievement was: “Looking back, you feel a great sense of comfort. Memory is the past tense, and internalization becomes an integral part of thinking. Although this is difficult, if we can achieve this, we have achieved positive change. Imagination is the key to tomorrow.” He encouraged everyone to think boldly and work hard to achieve success. Integrate knowledge and action, and become the prophet of your own life.
Throughout the day, various exercises and interactions allowed students to experience AI’s most crucial four-dimensional cycle: Discover (what makes life vibrant?), Dream (what do we hope to happen?), Design (what is the ideal situation?), and Realize (how to empower, learn, and adapt). Crucially, everyone began to reflect on how they create their own realities, what are their most effective areas of focus, and how we can leverage our transformative power to impact our future. We can also allow this force for positive change to impact our organizations and lives.
Dr. RC asked everyone to spend five minutes discussing their findings, feelings, and feedback. The closing speech was given by Peng Jia, Director of Dongfang Electric Corporation, who provided feedback to Dr. RC. Director Peng shared two key insights: first, that this AI tool can be used to guide corporate culture; and second, that being able to paint a clear picture of the future increases the potential for change. He described feeling so excited that his pores opened up, as if he had received a shot of chicken blood. This feeling of excitement isn’t necessarily a bad thing; the key is the drive to act!
A classmate shared after class: “AI is a relatively mature guidance skill, but before this, I had a superficial understanding of it as an extension of action learning and guidance technology. It can be said that reading books opened a window to AI for me, but I didn’t know how to apply the concepts in the books to guide my work and life. With a bit of scrutiny and doubt, I participated in this course throughout. Like Teacher Bai, I hope to put what I have learned into practice and use AI concepts and tools to help life and work, which is also in line with the principles of adult learning. Facts have shown that under the guidance of Dr. RC, I still refreshed my cognition and brought back several very useful tools. I communicate with my colleagues from time to time. This can be used in organizational development, in training, in employee interviews, and it is helpful for parent-child education…”
At 5:00 PM, as the course drew to a close, Dr. RC mentioned that his mother was in the ICU, and he had considered canceling the trip. But his conscience told him not to, so he asked his brother, “What can I do?” His brother assured him, “Do what you want. I’ll take good care of Mom.” He then sought out a doctor and discussed his mother’s condition and treatment options. He also secured the support of his two cousins, which led to this exploratory trip. Dr. RC asked for everyone’s prayers for his mother and thanked all the attendees.
Everyone was deeply moved by this. Zhang Yanli explained that Dr. RC landed at Shuangliu Airport at 10:00 PM on October 30th, and that they had spent an unforgettable day exploring the world. Dr. RC’s hearty laughter gave us no glimpse of his experiences. Zhang Yanli prepared a small gift for Dr. RC. Dr. RC is a truly national treasure of Nepal, and a fitting companion to that status is Chengdu’s adorable Kung Fu Panda! Dr. RC also prepared a gift for Zhang Yanli and translator Yang Hao: a beautiful bunch of bodhi seeds. Thank you to this young translator, who traveled all the way from Yibin, for his professional and competent translation, which allowed everyone to fully enjoy the charm of AI.
Finally, Teacher Zhang Yanli once again invited students eager for self-growth and transformation to join the Critical Dialogue learning platform. According to AI theory, energy follows attention, and your focus determines your results, shaping your life and future. Our learning will leverage coaching, AI, and SPOT team guidance to drive organizational, platform, family, child, and parental growth, nurturing everyone and empowering them to become better. We will abandon past problem-solving models and shift toward results-driven ones, breaking through limiting beliefs and empowering us to imagine and achieve better!
