April 2, 2025 at 8:00 am to June 11, 2025 at 10:00 am PDT - CAI Online Learning Platform
ELEVATE YOUR COACHING PRACTICE WITH APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
The Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©) empowers you with a strengths-based approach to coaching, designed to foster resilience, inspire growth, and drive meaningful transformation. This comprehensive program blends Appreciative Inquiry theory with practical, hands-on techniques, equipping you to develop impactful coaching methods that highlight individuals’ and teams’ unique strengths. Through guided practice, AICT© enables you to cultivate a coaching style that unlocks potential, builds positive momentum, and leads clients toward sustainable success.
WHY APPRECIATIVE COACHING?
Appreciative Coaching is a revelatory and generative conversation that expands people’s capacity to perform by leveraging the clients’ strengths, potential, and aspirations for the greatest impact. Grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, this transformative approach to coaching fosters personal transformation through innate talent and inherent strength and inspires action – increasing the likelihood of producing longer lasting results quickly.
LEARN SKILLS TO EMPOWER AND TRANSFORM
- In-Depth Appreciative Inquiry Skills. Explore the 5-D AI framework to equip yourself with the skills to guide clients through meaningful, strengths-focused conversations. This approach empowers clients, fostering resilience and a mindset geared toward future growth and potential.
- Advanced Coaching Techniques. Learn to establish trust, maintain presence, and evoke client awareness with the ICF Core Competencies. Apply principles like Systems Thinking and Social Styles for insightful, customized coaching sessions.
- Hands-On Experience and Feedback. Participate in live coaching clinics, practice real-world scenarios, and receive feedback to refine your skills.
DESIGNED FOR:
The Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©) is ideal for:
- Coaches aiming to add a powerful, positive approach to their toolkit.
- HR and OD professionals focused on employee development and engagement.
- Leaders committed to fostering a culture of growth and resilience.
- Individuals who desire to enhance their systems thinking in order to engage individuals in a holistic and integrated way.
- Educators passionate about strengths-based methodologies.
AICT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©) is an advanced certification that guides you in discovering and co-constructing each client’s positive core—the qualities that connect them to life and unlock their potential to thrive. Using Appreciative Inquiry’s affirmative framework, this course offers a small-group environment where you can enhance your self-awareness and develop powerful, generative skills for one-on-one coaching. Through this transformative learning experience, deepen your approach to fostering resilience and growth with clients.
ICF APPROVED PROGRAM
This course is an approved ICF (International Coaching Federation) Continuing Coach Education (CCE) program. Participants who complete this program can apply 32 hours toward renewal requirements or as part of an application for an ICF credential.
This advanced-level certification course provides participants the opportunity to apply to Core Competencies of ICF through the lens of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and is designed for individuals who understand and embody a strengths-based AI paradigm. For the best learning experience and meaningful engagement, we welcome up to sixteen (16) participants.
PRE-REQUISITES
To enroll in this advanced-level course, participants must meet one of the following three prerequisites:
- Experienced coaches who seek to strengthen their life-enriching ways of coaching. OR
- Successful completion of an approved Appreciative Inquiry Foundations course (with a minimum of 26 classroom hours) OR
- Successful completion in an International Coaching Federation accredited course within the past 2 years or hold an equivalent professional coach credential AND verified completion of the Self-Directed Appreciative Inquiry Introduction offered by the Center for Appreciative Inquiry. Participants new to Appreciative Inquiry are encouraged to complete this foundational course. Upon AICT registration, they will receive a 15% promo code in their confirmation email to enroll, providing essential AI principles and methodology.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE & SESSION OUTLINE
The Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©) combines 33 hours of live, interactive Zoom sessions with self-paced study over 11 weeks. Participants engage in weekly two-hour, highly experiential sessions that are not recorded, fostering active learning through breakout rooms, paired coaching practices, and small group discussions. To build a supportive community and deepen coaching skills, attendance in every session and completion of all coursework, including the practicum, are required for certification.
The course emphasizes the relational essence of coaching through Appreciative Inquiry principles. A required practicum embodies the “Destiny” phase, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world coaching. Click on session titles below to view each session’s overview and outcomes.
Time for ALL sessions: 8:00am-10:00am Pacific / 11:00am-1:00pm Eastern.
To ensure all participants are off to a strong start, the AICT trainers host a live Foundation Session to give participants the opportunity to connect with the trainers, engage with participants, become familiar with LearnDash (our online learning platform), and ask questions about reading and activities prior to Session 1.
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND DEFINING & DISTINGUISHING COACHING
In this session, participants will come together to establish a strong AICT learning community. They will explore the Positive Core of AI Coaching, guided by the ICF Core Competencies. This one-hour session offers a chance to connect with trainers, engage with peers, become familiar with LearnDash (our online learning platform), and ask questions about readings and activities before the first full AICT session.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Become familiar with the 5 Generic Processes of AI.
- Understand the framework and tools that we will use in the AICT.
- Build a community of practice by getting to know one another and creating Appreciative Agreements.
- Understand the difference between coaching and facilitating.
- Uncover the Positive Core of AI Coaching.
- Clarifying the Core Competencies from the ICF as they apply to AI Coaching.
- Experience AI with a 5-D inquiry to refresh prior learning and “mining” the collective knowledge & skills present.
DEFINING THE POSITIVE TOPIC IN A COACHING CONVERSATION
We look at how Defining the Positive Topic creates the foundation of AI Coaching. Following a demonstration of an AI Coaching session, we will debrief and begin practice in Define.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Defining the Topic of a coaching conversation using Reframing.
- Understanding the 4 Levels of Listening.
- Observing and debriefing a coaching session.
- Examining Core Competencies:
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- Establishes and Maintains Agreements, and
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- Listens Actively
THE POWER OF QUESTIONS AND CONTRACTING IN COACHING
During this session, we will review the power of AI interviews as the cornerstone of an Appreciative Inquiry. We will highlight the key processes and points to define an appreciative inquiry topic for a coaching conversation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Understand how to establish the coaching agreement and become familiar with examples of coaching contracts.
- Demonstrate the ability to work with the client to define the coaching topic using Reframing.
- Become familiar with the three levels of contracting.
- Understand the Appreciative Inquiry principles and how they are applied in the coaching relationship.
- Understand how to modify the Generic Interview Guide to meet client needs.
- Examining Core Competencies:
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- Establishes and Maintains Agreements, and
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- Cultivates Trust and Safety.
MAINTAINING PRESENCE – THE TRANSITION FROM DISCOVERY INTO DREAM
Through the lens of the ICF Core Competency of Maintaining Presence, we begin to practice the transition of Discovery into Dream. We look at the power of the Preferred Future and how we, as coaches, remain present to support our clients.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Distinguishing Discovery to Dream in a coaching session.
- Creating images of a Preferred Future.
- Practice coaching and feedback.
- Examining Core Competencies:
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- Maintains Presence, and
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- Listens Actively.
EVOKING AWARENESS THROUGH THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY PRINCIPLES
In this session, we examine the AI Principles that apply to the Competency Evokes Awareness. We utilize these principles through powerful questioning, silence, and metaphors to enable our clients to come to their own insights.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Applying the Core Competency Evokes Awareness by using the tools of coaching.
- Use of powerful questions, silence, metaphors, and analogy.
- Applying “Big Picture” Systems Thinking.
- Exploring the AI Principles that apply to this competency; Anticipatory, Constructionist, Simultaneity and Positive principles.
- Practice coaching and feedback.
COMMUNICATING WITH IMPACT – SOCIAL STYLES FOR COACHING
In this session, we’ll introduce Social Style—a tool designed to provide insight into your own behavior and that of others. Social Style helps build on both your strengths and those of others, fostering productive, positive relationships. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to complete the Social Styles Assessment, enhancing self-awareness and allowing you to integrate this knowledge into your coaching communication style.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Understanding the Social Style Framework.
- Gaining insight about why you find some relationships more productive than others.
- Better understanding of how Social Style can assist you to consider their behavioral needs and preferences of your clients.
DEVELOPING A PROVOCATIVE PROPOSITION IN A COACHING SESSION
In this session we will be integrating the learning and focusing on the Core Competency of Evokes Awareness to develop the Provocative Proposition. The Design step of the Appreciative Inquiry emphasizes the coach’s role of being focused, observant and responsive.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Understanding how to work with clients to develop meaningful, bold, and affirmative provocative propositions using Reframing, Generic Interview Questions and reflecting on High Energy Themes.
- Understanding the SCARF model and the five domains of human social experience.
- Becoming familiar with Systems Thinking and the factors that may influence and inform Design.
GROUP COACH MENTORING – TRAINER OBSERVATION AND FEEDBACK
Participants receive group coach mentoring, trainer observation, and feedback to contribute and deepen the learning in this course.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Applying all aspects of the coaching conversation in practice with feedback and observations.
- Experience both coaching and being coached.
DESTINY AS IT FACILITATES CLIENT GROWTH
In AI Coaching we see that it is not just the five generic processes because it is flexible and non-linear, and the order is applied as appropriate to best serve the client. As we look to the Competency of Facilitating Client Growth, we see how AI Process and SOAR model can ground the actions to move forward in an appreciative way.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- To focus on helping the client ground their dreams in the present.
- Completing the coaching session powerfully to expand the client’s capability to create their dream.
- Processes and tools to end a coaching conversation.
- Examine Core Competency: Facilitates Client Growth.
CELEBRATION, PRACTICUM, AND COMPLETION
This final session is all about Celebration and Completion. In this deep dive we will review the AI Coaching model, the requirements for program certification, and celebrate your success.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Become familiar with the value of gratitude interventions and the value that they bring to the coaching relationship.
- Understand the requirements to complete the Practicum and obtain the Appreciative Inquiry Coach certification.
- Provide feedback on the AICT experience.
- Take the opportunity to demonstrate gratitude to members of the AICT class.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
As a fully engaged participant who completes the synchronous and asynchronous components of the Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©), you will:
- Cultivate Confidence in Inspiring Change. Co-create new and inspiring futures with clients, drawing out their essential strengths and potential for transformation.
- Understand Systems Thinking for Holistic Change. Deepen your understanding of Systems Thinking and its role in clarifying how environmental factors influence personal and organizational change.
- Apply ICF Core Competencies to Appreciative Coaching. Gain a clear understanding of the International Coaching Federation’s Core Competencies as they integrate with the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process.
- Enhance Conversational Impact with Social Styles. Use insights from the Social Styles assessment to deepen self-awareness and adapt your communication style, building rapport and fostering client connections through generative, one-on-one conversations.
- Expand Your Capacity for Relational Coaching. Learn methods for fostering trust, active listening, and client-centered reflection, enhancing your relational coaching skills to create empowering, forward-focused dialogues.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING INFORMATION
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Your trainers will assign readings from these two books throughout your training. You will need to purchase the textbooks prior to the start of this course. The books are available in electronic or printed versions. Please select the version that aligns with your learning style and preference.
Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change (2007) by Sara Orem, Jacqueline Binkert, and Ann L. Clancy.
Flourishing Together: Guide to Appreciative Inquiry Coaching (2016) by Miriam Subriana.
LETTER OF COMPLETION
To obtain a letter of completion (and to be eligible for consideration for AI Coach Certification) each participant must complete all 33 hours of synchronous and asynchronous Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training©. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned.
AI COACH CERTIFICATION PROCESS
REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Coach with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:
- Actively participate and successfully complete the Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT) in its entirety, including all online coursework.
- Coach an individual using all five generic processes of Appreciative Inquiry: Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny. Your AICT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.
- Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) of your Appreciative Coaching experience that is suitable for publication. Practicums must demonstrate your understanding and practice of Appreciative coaching in a one-on-one client engagement.
PRACTICUM REVIEW
All submitted practicums are reviewed by a panel of seasoned appreciative inquiry practitioners. At least one trainer from your AICT will also be part of the panel that reviews your practicum. The Review Panel may contact you to engage in a conversation about your work once you have submitted your practicum. Typically, they will respond with questions, to deepen their and your shared understanding of AI. The practicum review is therefore a dialogical and interactive process.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Coach Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:
- An Appreciative Inquiry Coach Certification document for your records;
- Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;
- Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.
- A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.
AI Practitioners
Carol Vickers has built a coaching and facilitation practice based on the principles of Appreciative Inquiry, by being mindful of creating the world we wish to be in through words and observing the transformational changes that occur when a thoughtful question is posed. She supports the most creative and generative systems in organizations, families and relationships. Carol’s way of being has been altered and remains informed by the model of Appreciative Inquiry where she found a structure and process for what she has held as true for all of her life. Learn more.
Angela Greenwald, Ph.D., is a Transformation Consultant, bringing her energy and strength-based approach to business and community organizations, believing that positive, adaptive leaders can inspire small and large system change through their ability to be in the “balcony and dance.” Her aspiration is to help leaders and their organizations build upon their strengths by engaging others in conversation and living into their best possibilities. Learn more.