Appreciative Inquiry is about the search for the best in people, their organizations, and the world around them. It is a way to solve problems by looking at what is going right, rather then what is going wrong.
It is easy to be negative. Things sometimes don’t go the way we plan. Deals collapse, communication can be amiss and certainly plans fall through.
The traditional response to these events is problem solving. However, that naturally starts from a negative perspective. For example-something could be done better, and a process needs to be fixed. We then take part in problem identification and come up with a plan of action based solely on the problem.
Let’s take the same problem and approach it with a positive perspective. This is the foundation of Appreciative Inquiry, a method of problem solving that was pioneered by David Cooperrider in the mid 1980’s.
To apply Appreciative Inquiry to a problem solving situation, you focus on the positives. This helps you build on strengths, where conventional problem-solving can help you manage or eliminate your weaknesses. This process is to help your recruitment firm evaluate processes in a unique and positive way.
There are 5 steps in utilizing this method:
- Define the Problem- Instead of saying Ways to Fix Recruitment Problems, you will say Ways to find the best candidate. This slight wording change can have an impact on your focus.
- The Discovery Phase- Look at what you have done in the past-and what is working well. Do you always ask clients a particular question that always helps you be successful? Take note of that.
- The Dream Phase- You think about what change you want to see. Take the positives you identified in the Discovery phase, and reinforce them to build real strengths and process development.
- The Design Phase- This phase looks at the need to support the vision. Here you start to realize the types of systems, processes, and strategies that will enable the change to happen.
- The Deliver Phase- The key to successful delivery is ensuring that the goal is the focal point. The overall result is the changes that occur, that all serve to support and sustain the goal in a positive way.
What would recruitment look like if it were always productive and progressive? Think about the best possible recruitment process, both from a candidate’s point of view and the hiring organization perspective. This mindset can change the outlook and make a positive impact on your business.
Learn more about Appreciative Inquiry here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appreciative_inquiry
Champlain College, David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry
Could you share an experience where Appreciative Inquiry for recruiting was applied. I am interested in a Case study or a summit, positive inquiry interview process examples, and how the organization builds on the stories’ strengths towards retaining the employees?
I would appreciate your guidance.