Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry (2nd edition) (Thin Book Series)

Too often, analysts try to find problems with organizations so they have something to solve. It's what they live for! Customers come to analysts when they feel there is a problem, so the two seem like a match -- the customer thinks there is a problem, the analyst proves there is. However, usually a customer's business isn't in complete shambles; they usually do something right. Sue's book provides analysts an alternative to always finding problems. Analysts can use appreciateve inquiry to first discover what the customer is doing right. Often applying the same principles, processes, procedures, to what they are doing correctly can solve what the customer perceives as a current problem. This is still a match between the customer and the analyst with one added advantage: it leaves the customer feeling better about him/herself. In 60 pages Sue gives analysts a completely new skill for in their toolkit.

This small book gives one a very good idea of the fundamentals of appreciative inquiry. It is a great stimulus for those looking to approach change from a positive, and often times, very unique perspective. It has a straight forward "how to" process included as well as a nice reference and resource section.