Reflections is Appreciating People’s latest publication, a workbook and practical resource. It’s a combination of appreciative journaling, a gratitude diary and skills and techniques to develop your Appreciative Inquiry practice. Developed as a result of Appreciating People’s recent work – particularly on the award-winning Learning from Excellence programme, it is a powerful tool for developing the appreciative approach. We really want to thank the Patient Safety Collaborative in the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network for giving us the chance to be part of this programme, and for giving such support to the publication and launch of the book at their first National conference. We are proud to be part of such a great programme.
Reflections gives users a snapshot of the benefits and strengths that are emerging as people learn about AI and begin to apply it. It is designed to inspire you to find what focusing on your own strengths can bring. Reflecting on day-to-day actions leads to new learnings and insights into the things we do well.
It has been created for anyone who wants to be an Appreciative Inquirer – for those who have recently discovered the approach, and experienced practitioners who want to expand and deepen the way in which they work.
Within its pages you’ll find background on AI’s philosophy and principles; tools, techniques and exercises to reflect on and deepen your AI practice; and real-life examples of AI in action alongside appreciative and gratitude journals. It gives users a strong framework to support themselves, colleagues and friends and family, underpinning the learnings of positive psychology with practical, everyday activities.
It all started with a conversation between Appreciating People and Dr Lindsey Godwin, David L Cooperidder Center for Appreciative Inquiry at Champlain College in Vermont, at the World AI Conference in Johannesburg. We explored the potential of developing a practical AI resource that combined appreciative journaling with accessible simple activities that could support a AI practitioner at the start of their AI journey.
Over two years later – and many more conversations with people like Jackie Kelm – Reflections was launched at the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN) Learning From Excellence conference. Sponsored by Appreciating Church, WMASHN and David L Cooperrider Center for AI, Champlain College in Vermont, it also has a foreword by Jane Magruder Watkins and Ralph Kelly.
We’ve been thrilled by the feedback we’ve had so far, which includes:
Positivity Strategist’s Robyn Stratton-Berkessel
‘Reflections… What a powerful little book, bursting with bold practices, sciences and philosophies and models. It’s easy to read, absorb and implement. I love the grace and ease of making AI so accessible for any age or educational level. It’s great. It makes for great pre- and post-AI experiences. The tools and techniques are a fabulous addition for facilitators or team members.’
Robyn Stratton-Berkessel, Positivity Strategist.org
‘I consider Reflections the best of your products. I can see that it comes after all the terrific successes you had in using AI in different and innovative areas – school, church, Learning from Excellence…. amazing! – and it perfectly summarises Appreciating People’s AI approach and mindset. It’s clear, simple and, at the same time, it gives the opportunity and the inspiration to deepen and research about generativity and positivity. Suitable for both practitioner and lay people. Nice to see and touch.’
Francesca Oliva, Active Change
‘This book is teeming with practical, simple ways to use AI in everyday work and life. Not only will it help you apply AI in new and innovative ways, it will change your life for the better.
‘If you’re looking to “Be Appreciative Inquiry,” look no further. Tim and Suzanne have simply and beautifully captured the most essential elements of AI, and created simple practices for embodying this powerful approach in everyday work and life.’
Jackie Kelm, Appreciative Living
‘As the writers of this lovely little book point out, those of us who seek to help others develop a more positive attitude to all that life brings need to develop our own ‘appreciative muscle’. This is precisely what ‘Reflections’ achieves by its combination of exercises and accessible insights into Appreciative Inquiry. By emphasising useful application from the beginning readers are encouraged to reflect on their own practice, while the later sections serve as a helpful reminder of the essential elements of AI. This may not be the only book you ever read about appreciative inquiry, but it is certainly a great place to start and will serve well those setting out on their AI journey, as well as those who are more experienced.’
Revd Dr James F Coleman, United Reformed Church
Reflections is priced at £12.99 plus shipping in UK, €14.00 in Europe and $17.00 in the US.
Click here to buy Reflections from the AP web shop…
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