More on AI

Almost done reading Change at the Speed of Imagination. I keep thinking, what are the limits of AI as a tool? Can we define kinds of organizations or situations where it's use might even be counterproductive?

For example, one organization I'm working with has some significant conflicts/lack of alignment around structure and power. As we move into strategic planning, it is clear (to me) that the basic structure of the organization is flawed - the overhead costs of running this organization are too high relative to the benefits. So I wonder - if we did an AI process here, and inquired into what was energizing/positive in the past about this organization - we would find them, everyone would feel energized about the benefits of the organization, the conflicts would fade - but I'm not sure the organization would ever face the question of cost. Or would that resolve as the organization moved decisively towards building on its strengths?

One of the main examples used in Change at the Speed of Imagination is about an (e)valuation of a simulation training created by a department in a major pharmaceutical company. I found that a little bewildering. If the simulation training was a bust, a good idea that didn't work, would they have been able to tell from this process? It seems that evaluating it by having the people who created it do an inquiry that pushed for positive responses would make it pretty easy to avoid any bad news.

Change at the Speed of Imagination

Ok, I'm triggered. I KNOW we're not supposed to act when triggered - so I'm breathing... OK, now I'll go jump up and down (works for my daughter)... Do you mind if I vent just a little? PLEASE??? (Stop reading here if the answer is no).





OK. I'm just finishing reading Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination. Like many books that are interesting, I loved it - AND - it makes me crazy! On p.195 they say (talking about AI vs. current OD practice), " [AI} focuses on inquiry in the life-giving, generative aspects of organizational functioning, rather than the traditional pathology-oriented focus."

I don't get it! Why is it necessary to unfairly demonize other approaches to talk about AI? I love AI! I want to live my life appreciatively! But I do NOT want to forget how to be analytical - it's damned useful! Analysis is NOT about pathology - and it is possible to study and analyze many systems objectively without disturbing them appreciably (PUN).

Besides, it doesn't seem very consistent with thinking appreciatively to fail to appreciate the profound insights generated by other approaches to personal and organizational change that came before AI, and were part of the intellectual and social fabric out of which AI emerged.

SNIFF.

OK, I'm done now.

Back to your regular programming/thoughts/whatever....

Begin at the Beginning

In the beginning, the earth was void - i.e empty. And my mind is empty right now. A very good place to start for a blog whose themes are, in part, Buddhist.