Event Details

WHAT IS APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY (AI)?

In traditional models, there are analytics from classical science, and the emphasis is on creating goals for changing behavior.  Often, the planning process is top down.  A SWOT analysis is done, so half of the planning involves a focus on weaknesses and threats.  This traditional process attempts to fix what is broken like a medical doctor.  Causes are analyzed, solutions are funneled down into the few best ideas, and actions are planned.

In AI, the focus is on changing how the people think, rather than how they behave.  What we think, we bring about.  Reality is socially negotiated, so it is important to create a new mindset if we want meaningful and lasting change to occur.  When the thinking changes, the feelings and behaviors follow.  What we focus on, we create.  It is a "funnel-up" process where multiple solutions are created.

Presentation Outline:

I.  What is AI  (Appreciative Inquiry)

II.  Background info:

A.  Typical Problem Solving/Planning, versus AI planning and problem solving

B.  Changing Behavior --Change thought processes and the behavior follows, and how AI does this (the A-B-C Model)

C.  Self-fulfilling prophecy.  Why the focus on the positive is so important in this process

III.  The Four Phases (the 4 D's)

IV.  Examples of AI Strategic Goals

V.  Next steps

Meet our speaker:

Mike Mastroianni is a sole proprietor and owner of MDM Consulting, specializing in Strategic Planning, Training, Coaching, and Conflict Resolution/Mediation.

Mike was the Director of the Small Business Development Center, in Rockford, IL.  In that role, Mike assisted businesses in business planning, social media, website design, and marketing with his partner, Edward Caceres. He is currently consulting for the SBDC on a contract basis.

Previously, Mike worked at Rock Valley College for 20 years, moving from Director of the Business and Professional Institute, to Dean, Vice President of Career and Technical Education, and then President of the College.  Mike has been a principal and partner in Management Resource Group, a full-Service HR consulting Firm in Rockford.  He is co-author of the Book, Harnessing the Power of Conflict: Leading, Living, Learning, with Norm Dasenbrook, MS, LCPC.  

Mike has helped numerous organizations in strategic planning using AI, including but not limited to the City of Rockford, Rockford Arts Council, Rockford Health Council, Rockford Public Library, Serenity Hospice and Home, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Boylan High School, St. James Church, and many other organizations, both not-for-profit and other businesses.

Interesting note:  Mike has been in two rock bands over the years, playing keyboard and singing, and is a 2nd degree black belt in Karate. He asks that you remember that when filling out the evaluations!!

**1 Continuing Education Credit has been approved by SHRM and HRCI**

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkfu2trzguE9Irt_tfMUzE1zvVJSS...

Thank-you to our April sponsor: