Appreciative Inquiry practitioner training programme through the IAAI
Accredited Practitioner Status
Our training programme builds on the significant AI training developed and delivered in recent years by Appreciating People to more than 2,000 people in the public and community sectors around the world. The programme has two new certificated IAAI programmes:
- Introduction to AI.
- Deepening your AI Practice.
Both courses focus on the practical application of AI and aim to strengthen the ‘appreciative muscle’ and foster new self-sustaining communities of AI practice.
Introduction to IAAI training
On successful completion of the two modules participants are awarded “Accredited AI Practitioner” status.
The members who are approved to deliver the IAAI training use a combination of common core material and bespoke sector-specific resources for their AI practitioner Module 1 and 2 programmes.
Coming originally from Appreciating People and Appreciating Church practice-based approaches and developed during the COVID pandemic in 2020-22 our training has been successfully tested and prototyped by IAAI members across a range of sectors.
Training content and approach
The programme content and approach is based on significant experience and learning from delivering over 100 AI courses.
The AI practitioner programme is a two module process.
- Module 1 is a two-day Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry workshop which can be delivered face to face or over 4 sessions online.
- Module 2 Deepening your AI practice is a practice-based person-centred programme delivered online over 3 to 4 months. Entry to module 2 requires at least 6 months of AI experience/practice following completion of module 1.
Module 1 Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry
An introduction to AI’s history and development, tools, and practices with an emphasis on practical application:
- Background to the use of AI in organizations, and strength based/whole system approaches,
- The AI principles, their application, and the emerging new AI approaches
- How to use the 5D cycle (Definition, Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny/Delivery)
- Using and developing the SOAR approach – strengths, opportunities, aspirations, resources/results
- AI links to positive psychology and strength-based approaches
- Designing AI protocols and building AI approaches into existing work practices
- Importance of “Reframing’ and how to use it in responding to challenges and negativity
There is no required course work for Module 1.
All participants receive copies of Taste of AI 2.0 and Reflections – an Appreciative Journal and practical resource book.
IAAI members set their own fees for the course within an agreed IAAI range. The fee includes IAAI certification.
Module 2 Deepening your Appreciative Inquiry practice
A practice-based individualised programme with course work, reflective practice exercises, and individual support and guidance from an experienced AI practitioner. The module runs with cohorts of 6-10 people. Requirements include:
- A SOAR based application exercise
- Attendance at an opening webinar
- Completion of the Three Good Things journal
- Participation in two “thinking partner” sessions
- Participation in two communities of practice sessions
- Completion of several AI-based reflective practice exercises
- Submission of a project /case study
On successful completion of the course work each participant receives IAAI Appreciative Inquiry Practitioner Certification. IAAI members set their own fees for the course within an agreed IAAI range. The fee includes IAAI certification.
People who have in the past completed the Appreciating People 2 day and 3 day programmes can upgrade to become an AI Practitioner by completing the SOAR application, completing journal exercises, participating in “thinking partners” sessions, and submission of a case study/project report.