When I first read about AI and facilitation, I was worried the robots were coming for my job… but then I spoke with Laure Cohen van Delft and realised AI is a most welcome addition to our profession!

This is because AI, in this context, refers to Appreciative Inquiry – a framework and approach that facilitates purposeful change in organisations. The approach is centred on outcomes that grow in value (Appreciate) and a curious mindset (Inquiry).

AI encompasses many facets of other facilitative approaches that are joined together by the belief that every living system has potential for growth.

Laure’s explanation of AI is fascinating – a truly unique perspective – and every facilitator can learn something from her.

Find out about:

• How Laure utilises LEGO Serious Play within her workshops
• What Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is
• How AI can be practiced in workshops
• Why AI can be so effective
• The outcomes made possible by designing a workshop around AI

Click here to download the free 1-page summary

Don’t miss the next show: Subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.

Feeling inspired by the conversation in this episode? We can have our own - take a seat at my virtual table as part of a Mastermind Group.

A huge thank you must go to SessionLab, the sponsor of Workshops Work. Claim your free two months of SessionLab Pro now – this deal is exclusive to Workshops Work listeners!

[01:44] When did you first call yourself a facilitator?

[03:06] What does facilitation mean to you?

[06:08] What have you learned from LEGO Serious Play?

[09:55] How do you define Appreciative Inquiry (AI)?

[14:34] Is there a specific structure to AI?

[24:05] How do we put the principles of AI together in a workshop?

[38:08] What is your favourite question to ask in a workshop?

[42:06] What makes a workshop fail?

[48:10] What is one thing you want listeners to take away from this episode?

• David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry
• AI Commons
• The 5 principles of AI 
• Essentials of Appreciative Inquiry by David Cooperrider, Diana Whitney and Jacqueline Stavros, 2008
• Encyclopedia of Positive Questions second edition by Diana Whitn

Share your thoughts about our conversation!

Support the show

✨✨✨

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a free 1-page summary of each upcoming episode directly to your inbox, or explore our eBooks featuring 50-episode compilations for even more facilitation insights. Find out more:
https://workshops.work/podcast

✨✨✨

Did you know? You can search all episodes by keyword to find exactly what you need via our Buzzsprout page!