In today’s dynamic and competitive environment, organizations constantly seek innovative approaches to foster growth, enhance collaboration, and achieve sustainable success. One such approach gaining prominence is Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a methodology rooted in the belief that focusing on strengths and positive experiences can propel organizations toward their desired future. Through Appreciative Inquiry workshops, the transformative potential of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the six expansion barangays of New Lucena, Iloilo, has been unleashed.
Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Approach to Organizational Development
The Solution Ecosystems Activator (SEA), Inc. facilitated a series of Appreciative Inquiry workshops across Barangay Janipaan Oeste (May 21-22, 2024), Barangay Pasil (May 25-26, 2024), Barangay Jelicuon Este (May 28-29, 2024), Barangay Cabugao (May 28-29, 2024), Barangay Bita-og Gaja (June 4-5, 2024), and Barangay Calumbuyan (June 13-14, 2024). Under the IPAT-SIAD Program, this initiative guided participants to envision a future based on their aspirations, ensuring that change is implemented, embraced, and sustained over the long term.
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a refreshing and innovative approach to organizational change and development. Unlike traditional methods focusing on identifying and remedying weaknesses or deficiencies, AI operates from a fundamentally positive standpoint. It seeks to leverage an organization’s strengths, successes, and positive experiences to drive future growth and development. The four phases of AI—Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny—help communities foresee the development and vision of the strengths already present within them.
Empowering Communities Through Vision and Collaboration
The workshops empowered participants to appreciate their moments of success and achievements, encouraging them to think positively and articulate their visions. As they went through the process of dreaming and curating their desired destinies, they were able to formulate their vision and mission statements and develop strategic plans with a sense of ownership and pride.
Lejanie Caspe, a participant, shared, “I am honored to be part of the Appreciative Inquiry workshop because I have never attended any workshop until the day that I was invited. I’m glad that I participated in creating Vision, Mission, and strategic planning because I have something to share with my friends—that I have been a part of development planning in our barangay.”
Similarly, Kagawad Elsa Segaya reflected, “I learned that this is how strategic planning is done. I did not know until this day that planning should involve the participation of the community.”
Liza Cotimo expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am thankful that the facilitators guided us in formulating our vision and mission statement, as well as our strategic planning. Without their guidance, we would never have known how to do it. It is an addition to our knowledge.”
Appreciative Inquiry as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development
Appreciative Inquiry workshops are not just one-time events but catalysts for sustainable development. By celebrating the good rather than focusing on the bad, fostering collaboration, and aligning towards a shared vision, barangay organizations can unlock their potential and thrive in today’s complex world. Embracing the principles of Appreciative Inquiry empowers people to be accountable for their creation and to take part in making positive changes. It helps them innovate, adapt, and create lasting impacts in their communities.
Punong Barangay emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We should include the people in our community in the planning stage.” This sentiment was echoed by representatives from various sectors, including senior citizens who gained new knowledge and looked forward to more workshops, training sessions, and seminars.
Conclusion and Future Vision
Appreciative Inquiry represents a paradigm shift in organizational development, emphasizing the power of positivity, collaboration, and visioning. By amplifying strengths and successes, rather than dwelling on weaknesses, AI inspires organizations to reach new heights of excellence and effectiveness. As communities and institutions increasingly recognize the value of nurturing a positive organizational culture, Appreciative Inquiry continues to offer a compelling framework for driving sustainable growth and change.
Looking forward, the vision is to expand the reach of Appreciative Inquiry workshops to more barangays, ensuring that every community member has the opportunity to participate in development planning. By fostering an environment of positivity and collaboration, we can create resilient communities that are equipped to face future challenges and achieve sustainable success.
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