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Book Review
This book is being studied by the
Book Study Group.
The Power of Appreciative Inquiry
(AI),
A review of a paperback book by Diana Whitney, Amanda Trosten-Bloom
for $17 on
Amazon.com.
This book has eleven Chapters, a good usable index, 14 tables, 5
figures, etc. I had to learn the following words to read the book:
chaordic, polyphonic and plenary. The best parts of the book are to
be found on the left pages near the middle of the page.
Don't expect to learn a
lot,
expect to contribute a lot. You will wish to read this book because
it will make you happy. You will get to put your values into
practice. Bring value; don't just take it.
Six freedoms and a 4-D Cycle are listed giving the what, how and
why's. You supply the who, where and when yourself. There is also a
7-D Cycle that includes the 4-D's. The additional D's are:
Do-it-now, Drumming and Dancing.
"Appreciation'"has two meanings: recognition of other ideas
and the increase of value. "Inquiry" initiates change and
results in exploration and discovery.
AI is not just an interrogative list
of low quality questions. It is a start -- an instigation of
implementing a future. It is creativity, establishing leading edge
designs and procedures. AI is grounded in affirmation, appreciation
and diversity. AI does not try to criticize and solve problems, it
appreciates what there is. With AI it is more effective to focus on
strengths than problems. We work toward becoming reconciled and we
collaborate. We create an epidemic of good and develop improbable
alliances.
Speak of your delight.
Watch your thoughts and your words very carefully. Words matter;
words create. Act "as-if". The topics we choose to study become
fateful topics for us. Have conversations that matter and make a
difference.
Everything is actually unpredictable. All we can know about the
future is what we hope, dream and imagine. However, we can influence
the "not-yet". Be strengthened by knowing that the instant you pay
anything attention it becomes mysterious, awesome and indescribably
magnificent in a world of its own. Discover successful but uncommon
patterns and share them.
AI is not so much a search for the positive; it is more the creation
of excitement, energy and inspiration. It breeds a new level of
loyalty. Without being humble about yourself... What do you most
value about yourself?
I hope you are happy right now. You
find out that, "If you don't like something you can always go spend
an hour with the butterflies." Now you have your magic wand!
Reviewed by Fred Monroe
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Pewter Prayer Ring
