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....