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Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)

FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an energizing and inclusive process that fosters creativity through the art of positive inquiry. It builds new skills in individuals and groups, develops new leaders, encourages a culture of inquiry, and helps create shared vision and purpose by building on an organization’s core values and strengths.

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT) is a foundational program designed to teach you how to facilitate the type of transformative change made possible through Appreciative Inquiry.

In addition to introducing the basic tenets of Appreciative Inquiry (e.g., principles, 5-Ds, and theory), the AIFT delves deeper by providing experiential exercises that will teach you how to work with core teams, define a topic of inquiry, craft generative questions, field test interview protocols, establish action items, and more.

DESIGNED FOR:

Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.

TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.

Segment 1: EXPERIENCING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.
  • Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.
  • Define appreciative inquiry.
  • Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.
EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

Segment 2: UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

UNCOVER  THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.
CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.
  • Reflect on facilitator considerations.

Segment 3: PLANNING AND DESIGNING AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SESSION

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS

Learning Outcomes:

  • Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.
  • Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.
  • Learn various forms of AI engagement.
GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE

Learning Outcomes:

  • Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

Segment 4: PRACTICING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY APPLICATIONS

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.
  • Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.
  • Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.
GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.
  • Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) is an intensive certification program consisting of 26 hours of synchronous (live sessions hosted through Zoom) and asynchronous (assigned reading and activities outside of class time) learning over the course of 2 weeks.

During the training, participants will meet four-days each week for two-hours to engage in a training session designed to guide them through the full range and depth of what it means to be an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator. Below are the dates and times for the synchronous portion for this training:

WEEK 1:

MONDAY
August 4, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
August 5, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
August 6, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)

THURSDAY
August 7, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEEK 2:

MONDAY
August 11, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
August 12, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
August 13, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

THURSDAY
August 14, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

We start all synchronous sessions on time and work diligently to maintain the vAIFT schedule, honoring our commitment to the learning experience. We have found full participation to be the most productive for the participants and the trainers. Please note: all times listed above are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

The synchronous portions of the vAIFT are highly experiential and will not be recorded. The vAIFT Trainers will be utilizing breakout rooms to develop community and trust amongst participants, conduct paired interviews, and engage in small group discussions and reflections.

ORIENTATION

To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, July 28, 2025 at 9 a.m. PT. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (person, virtual, or hybrid) utilizes the textbook, Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination (2nd Edition) by Jane Magruder Watkins, Bernard Mohr, and Ralph Kelly.

This book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.

Purchase Book
METHOD OF DELIVERY

Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (CAI) online learning platform closer to the training date. We will open the online platform to participants prior to the start of the training. This allows participants time to navigate the software and become acquainted with the various features and tools it offers, introduce themselves to their trainers and other vAIFT participants, and access all pre-workshop reading and materials.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion (and to be eligible for consideration for AI Facilitator Certification) each participant must complete 26 training hours. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS

In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

  • Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).
  • Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.
  • Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.
PRACTICUM REVIEW

Participants have up to one year from the date of their training to submit their practicum for review. All submitted practicums are reviewed by a panel of seasoned appreciative inquiry practitioners. At least one trainer from your AIFT 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 Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

  • An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator 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.
SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)

FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an energizing and inclusive process that fosters creativity through the art of positive inquiry. It builds new skills in individuals and groups, develops new leaders, encourages a culture of inquiry, and helps create shared vision and purpose by building on an organization’s core values and strengths.

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT) is a foundational program designed to teach you how to facilitate the type of transformative change made possible through Appreciative Inquiry.

In addition to introducing the basic tenets of Appreciative Inquiry (e.g., principles, 5-Ds, and theory), the AIFT delves deeper by providing experiential exercises that will teach you how to work with core teams, define a topic of inquiry, craft generative questions, field test interview protocols, establish action items, and more.

DESIGNED FOR:

Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.

TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.

Segment 1: EXPERIENCING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.
  • Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.
  • Define appreciative inquiry.
  • Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.
EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

Segment 2: UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

UNCOVER  THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.
CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.
  • Reflect on facilitator considerations.

Segment 3: PLANNING AND DESIGNING AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SESSION

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS

Learning Outcomes:

  • Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.
  • Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.
  • Learn various forms of AI engagement.
GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE

Learning Outcomes:

  • Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

Segment 4: PRACTICING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY APPLICATIONS

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.
  • Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.
  • Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.
GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.
  • Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) is an intensive certification program consisting of 26 hours of synchronous (live sessions hosted through Zoom) and asynchronous (assigned reading and activities outside of class time) learning over the course of 2 weeks.

During the training, participants will meet four-days each week for two-hours to engage in a training session designed to guide them through the full range and depth of what it means to be an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator. Below are the dates and times for the synchronous portion for this training:

WEEK 1:

MONDAY
May 12, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
May 13, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
May 14, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)

THURSDAY
May 15, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEEK 2:

MONDAY
May 19, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
May 20, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
May 21, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

THURSDAY
May 22, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

We start all synchronous sessions on time and work diligently to maintain the vAIFT schedule, honoring our commitment to the learning experience. We have found full participation to be the most productive for the participants and the trainers. Please note: all times listed above are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

The synchronous portions of the vAIFT are highly experiential and will not be recorded. The vAIFT Trainers will be utilizing breakout rooms to develop community and trust amongst participants, conduct paired interviews, and engage in small group discussions and reflections.

ORIENTATION

To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9 a.m. PT. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (person, virtual, or hybrid) utilizes the textbook, Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination (2nd Edition) by Jane Magruder Watkins, Bernard Mohr, and Ralph Kelly.

This book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.

Purchase Book
METHOD OF DELIVERY

Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (CAI) online learning platform closer to the training date. We will open the online platform to participants prior to the start of the training. This allows participants time to navigate the software and become acquainted with the various features and tools it offers, introduce themselves to their trainers and other vAIFT participants, and access all pre-workshop reading and materials.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion (and to be eligible for consideration for AI Facilitator Certification) each participant must complete 26 training hours. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS

In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

  • Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).
  • Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.
  • Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.
PRACTICUM REVIEW

Participants have up to one year from the date of their training to submit their practicum for review. All submitted practicums are reviewed by a panel of seasoned appreciative inquiry practitioners. At least one trainer from your AIFT 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 Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

  • An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator 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.
SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)

FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an energizing and inclusive process that fosters creativity through the art of positive inquiry. It builds new skills in individuals and groups, develops new leaders, encourages a culture of inquiry, and helps create shared vision and purpose by building on an organization’s core values and strengths.

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT) is a foundational program designed to teach you how to facilitate the type of transformative change made possible through Appreciative Inquiry.

In addition to introducing the basic tenets of Appreciative Inquiry (e.g., principles, 5-Ds, and theory), the AIFT delves deeper by providing experiential exercises that will teach you how to work with core teams, define a topic of inquiry, craft generative questions, field test interview protocols, establish action items, and more.

DESIGNED FOR:

Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.

TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.

Segment 1: EXPERIENCING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.
  • Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.
  • Define appreciative inquiry.
  • Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.
EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

Segment 2: UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

UNCOVER  THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.
CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.
  • Reflect on facilitator considerations.

Segment 3: PLANNING AND DESIGNING AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SESSION

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS

Learning Outcomes:

  • Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.
  • Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.
  • Learn various forms of AI engagement.
GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE

Learning Outcomes:

  • Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

Segment 4: PRACTICING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY APPLICATIONS

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Learning Outcomes:

  • Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.
  • Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.
  • Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.
GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.
  • Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) is an intensive certification program consisting of 26 hours of synchronous (live sessions hosted through Zoom) and asynchronous (assigned reading and activities outside of class time) learning over the course of 2 weeks.

During the training, participants will meet four-days each week for two-hours to engage in a training session designed to guide them through the full range and depth of what it means to be an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator. Below are the dates and times for the synchronous portion for this training:

WEEK 1:

MONDAY
March 3, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
March 4, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
March 5, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)

THURSDAY
March 6, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEEK 2:

MONDAY
March 10, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
March 11, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
March 12, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

THURSDAY
March 13, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

We start all synchronous sessions on time and work diligently to maintain the vAIFT schedule, honoring our commitment to the learning experience. We have found full participation to be the most productive for the participants and the trainers. Please note: all times listed above are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

The synchronous portions of the vAIFT are highly experiential and will not be recorded. The vAIFT Trainers will be utilizing breakout rooms to develop community and trust amongst participants, conduct paired interviews, and engage in small group discussions and reflections.

ORIENTATION

To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, February 24, 2025 at 9 a.m. PT. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (person, virtual, or hybrid) utilizes the textbook, Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination (2nd Edition) by Jane Magruder Watkins, Bernard Mohr, and Ralph Kelly.

This book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.

Purchase Book
METHOD OF DELIVERY

Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (CAI) online learning platform closer to the training date. We will open the online platform to participants prior to the start of the training. This allows participants time to navigate the software and become acquainted with the various features and tools it offers, introduce themselves to their trainers and other vAIFT participants, and access all pre-workshop reading and materials.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion (and to be eligible for consideration for AI Facilitator Certification) each participant must complete 26 training hours. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS

In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

  • Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).
  • Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.
  • Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.
PRACTICUM REVIEW

Participants have up to one year from the date of their training to submit their practicum for review. All submitted practicums are reviewed by a panel of seasoned appreciative inquiry practitioners. At least one trainer from your AIFT 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 Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

  • An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator 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.
SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

SOAR Design Workshop

IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY & DESIGN SOAR

This SOAR Design Workshop is an engaging and collaborative session where we will explore a variety of SOAR designs from team to division, department, organization, and industry level. During this workshop, participants will learn how to design SOAR engagements to their client or organization’s wishes. There will also be a case scenario on how to help an executive leader learn how to use SOAR.

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:

There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

November 7-8, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

December 6, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP CONTENT:

By utilizing the SOAR framework, attendees gain a holistic perspective, fostering a positive and proactive approach to strategy and strategic planning. This interactive session guides participants on how their SOAR designs connect to mission with purpose, encourage teamwork, align those around a shared vision, and ultimately leads to the development of actionable strategies and plans that maximize a team or an organization’s potential for success.

Participants will come to this session with at least one draft of a SOAR strategic engagement. Time will be allotted for asking about SOAR designs and engagements.

PURPOSE:

Identify opportunities to apply and design SOAR engagements.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  • Recognize and target opportunities for applying SOAR at multiple levels of your organization.
  • Review a variety of SOAR-based templates.
  • Case Scenario: What Would You Do?
  • Draft a SOAR Strategy or Strategic Planning Design.

This workshop highlights the true power of SOAR. I left with a deeper understanding of the framework and how it can be used to improve organizational planning, strengthen teams and guide our own individual development.

– Sara Bozeman, Consultant,
Office of Patient-Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs

WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

This is a very practical workshop that focuses on helping you better understand the variety of ways SOAR can be used from a single person to a large organization. The instructor is focused on ensuring content is relevant to how you want to use SOAR. She provides many practical examples, article, and other learning materials to continue to explore and grow after the program is over.

– Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet

The ‘Introduction to SOAR Creating Strategy and Strategic Plans that Inspire’ training event was very good from start to finish as evidenced by comprehensive pre-training preparation, positive, energizing content that contributed to skills enhancement, glitch free Zoom technology, highly experienced trainers whose interactive training style provided ongoing opportunities for participation including trainee feedback and posing of questions. Post training reading materials were an indicator of going the extra-mile to enhance trainee’s competence and capabilities.

– Dennis Whitford, Owner/Operator, 2Thunder Consulting

As an Organization Development Consultant, I was thrilled to see a public offering for a SOAR workshop presented by Jackie Stavros, the creator of the framework. Having Melissa Robaina bring her expertise with Appreciative Inquiry was a real bonus! The workshop was content rich and the resources exceptional. I am glad I invested in this work and came away with more than I could have hoped for.

– Michele Hansen, Principal, Prismatic Business Solutions

Insightful and impactful — the SOAR sessions re-engaged and energized my thinking about how to apply appreciative inquiry in strategic situations to help individuals, teams, and organizations reach new heights.

– Pam Cash, Co-Founder and Chief of Positive Change, Next Ascent, LLC.

I really appreciate The Center for AI offering such a phenomenal program on SOAR with Jackie and Melissa – WOW! Talk about time well spent — it was an absolute pleasure and privilege and will say that this offering is by far one of the ‘high points’ in my learning journey. Jackie is incredible and her generosity is unparalleled! From the SOAR Design workshop (from part II of the series), I delivered a ‘micro-SOAR’ and council members walked away from the session feeling seen, heard, and inspired. Huge kudos to Jackie for developing dynamic and profound SOAR framework, and her willingness to share her insights!!

– L. Barbour, Resilience Director, Optum Workplace Well-Being

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK

The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This short, easy-to-read book is available in electronic, paperback, or audio – please choose the format that best suits your learning style.

Book cover for: Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

Buy SOAR Book
METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will use various Zoom features, including the annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience, please participate using a desktop or laptop computer. You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.

WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

Logo for Appreciative Inquiries, LLC.

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategy and strategic planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans That Invite Innovation and Engagement

DEVELOP STRATEGY & ENGAGEMENT USING SOAR FRAMEWORK

This workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of the powerful SOAR framework—Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results—designed to enhance strategic thinking, strategizing, planning, and leading. Attendees will learn to recognize and harness their organization’s internal strengths, identify external opportunities, clarify their aspirations, and define specific results they aspire to achieve.

SOAR Framework stands for: Strengths - what are we best at? Opportunities: what are the possibilities? Aspirations: what are our dreams and wishes? and Results: what are meaningful and measurable results?Through interactive discussions and practical examples, this workshop equips participants with the tools and mindset to adopt a proactive, appreciative, and positive approach to strategy development, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth within their organizations.

Whether applied to business, personal development, or team dynamics, this workshop serves as a gateway to unleashing the full potential of the SOAR framework. Utilize SOAR’s positive framework to enhance your ability to strategize, lead, and plan effectively.

SOAR WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:

There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design Workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

November 7-8, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

December 6, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

SOAR, a positive approach to strategic thinking, planning, leading, conversations, and operating allows anyone at any level in an organization to create strategy and strategic plans.

The operating system of SOAR is Appreciative Inquiry, which is one of the most effective and widely used approaches for strategic change. You will learn how to engage your teams in strategic conversations using SOAR to:

  • Increase engagement, productivity, commitment, and effectiveness at multiple levels in your organization.
  • Develop strategies by providing a flexible approach that emphasizes strengths and opportunities, aligning them with aspirations and results.
  • Create strategic plans with values, vision, mission, purpose, and goals.
  • Promote positive and forward-thinking, appreciative mindset.
  • Develop your personal strategic leadership development strategy plan.

SOAR is a valuable framework and approach for organizations looking to take a proactive and positive approach to strategic development, focusing on leveraging their existing strengths and external opportunities to achieve their aspirations and desired results.

As an Organization Development Consultant, I was thrilled to see a public offering for a SOAR workshop presented by Jackie Stavros, the creator of the framework. Having Melissa Robaina bring her expertise with Appreciative Inquiry was a real bonus! The workshop was content rich and the resources exceptional. I am glad I invested in this work and came away with more than I could have hoped for.

– Michele Hansen, Principal, Prismatic Business Solutions

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP CONTENT:

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans that Invite Innovation and Engagement consists of five (5) modules that will provide key insights, learnings, and tools that you can apply in your strategic leadership. Click the title of each module below to display its purpose and learning objectives.

MODULE 1: Strategic Thinking

PURPOSE:

Introduce the value of cultivating strategic thinking skills from an appreciative mindset.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Understand the importance of strategic thinking as cognitive process and mindset.
  • Learn language of strategy and strategic planning.
  • Share the history of positive organization science/scholarship (POS).
  • Introduce Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as the operating system of SOAR.
MODULE 2: Learn SOAR

PURPOSE:

Introduce SOAR framework and approach, its purpose, and how it can be applied in different contexts from strategy to strategic planning and leadership development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn the essence and flexibility of SOAR.
  • Understand the efficacy of the SOAR elements.
  • Show how SOAR builds upon SWOT.
  • Case 1: Strategic Conversation – Revitalization Strategy.
  • Introduce 3 Key Strategic Factors of SOAR.
MODULE 3: Strategic Applications of SOAR

PURPOSE:

Learn how to apply SOAR at various levels in an organization.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to apply SOAR in:
    • every day strategic conversations.
    • coaching and mentoring others.
    • creating strategies (Quick SOAR).
  • Case 2: SOAR: Creating a Strategy at Division Level.
  • Case 3: SOAR: Strategic Coaching Approach to High-Performing Culture.
MODULE 4: Strategic Planning - SOAR with the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle

PURPOSE:

Learn how to use SOAR for system-wide strategic planning or change with the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D/5-I Cycle.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to involve stakeholder representation on your strategic planning team.
  • Share the evolution of SOAR with the AI 5-D/5-I Cycle.
  • Case 4: Creating a Whole System Strategic Plan.
BONUS MODULE: SOAR into your Potential with Purpose

PURPOSE:

Learn how to use SOAR at the level of self to develop effective leadership skills for your strategic leadership development plan.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to identify your values, vision, and mission with purpose.
  • Identify your current strengths as a leader and what weakness you might wish to explore to turn it into an opportunity to cultivate a strength.
  • Explore opportunities for leadership growth and development.
  • Determine your leadership aspirations: what type of leader are you and want to further develop into?
  • How to establish specific, measurable results you want to achieve in your leadership development.
  • Formulate your leadership strategies, plans, and future learning resources.
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

This is a very practical workshop that focuses on helping you better understand the variety of ways SOAR can be used from a single person to a large organization. The instructor is focused on ensuring content is relevant to how you want to use SOAR. She provides many practical examples, article, and other learning materials to continue to explore and grow after the program is over.

– Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet

This workshop highlights the true power of SOAR. I left with a deeper understanding of the framework and how it can be used to improve organizational planning, strengthen teams and guide own own individual development.

– Sara Bozeman, Consultant, Office of Patient-Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs

The ‘Introduction to SOAR Creating Strategy and Strategic Plans that Inspire’ training event was very good from start to finish as evidenced by comprehensive pre-training preparation, positive, energizing content that contributed to skills enhancement, glitch free Zoom technology, highly experienced trainers whose interactive training style provided ongoing opportunities for participation including trainee feedback and posing of questions. Post training reading materials were an indicator of going the extra-mile to enhance trainee’s competence and capabilities.

– Dennis Whitford, Owner/Operator, 2Thunder Consulting

Insightful and impactful — the SOAR sessions re-engaged and energized my thinking about how to apply appreciative inquiry in strategic situations to help individuals, teams, and organizations reach new heights.

– Pam Cash, Co-Founder and Chief of Positive Change, Next Ascent, LLC.

I really appreciate The Center for AI offering such a phenomenal program on SOAR with Jackie and Melissa – WOW! Talk about time well spent — it was an absolute pleasure and privilege and will say that this offering is by far one of the ‘high points’ in my learning journey. Jackie is incredible and her generosity is unparalleled! From the SOAR Design workshop (from part II of the series), I delivered a ‘micro-SOAR’ and council members walked away from the session feeling seen, heard, and inspired. Huge kudos to Jackie for developing dynamic and profound SOAR framework, and her willingness to share her insights!!

– L. Barbour, Resilience Director, Optum Workplace Well-Being

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK

The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This short, easy-to-read book is available in electronic, paperback, or audio – please choose the format that best suits your learning style.

Book cover for: Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

Buy SOAR Book
METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will use various Zoom features, including the annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience, please participate using a desktop or laptop computer. You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.

WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

Logo for Appreciative Inquiries, LLC.

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategy and strategic planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

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Monday Kickstarters Holiday Series

KICKSTART YOUR CONVERSATIONS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The nature of our conversation is fateful. The way we think and talk about any given situation determines whether we feel energized and good about it, or drained and exhausted. Grounded in the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, Monday Kickstarters Holiday Series invites participants to transform negative, problematic, and stressful interactions they are experiencing into life-giving and generative conversations.

We are living in challenging times, many of us juggle stress, concerns, and challenges daily. We can move forward in ways that offer renewal, reinvention, and resiliency simply by changing our conversations.

EVENT DATES AND TIMES:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

MONDAY
December 2, 2024

MONDAY
December 9, 2024

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

MONDAY KICKSTARTERS OVERVIEW:

Monday Kickstarters Holiday Series is a 2-part virtual series designed to provide you the opportunity to practice asking generative questions to change the way you think about things, interact with others, and create a possibility mindset by talking about what you want instead of what you don’t want. The two practices—generative questions and positive framing–allow you to address even the most challenging problems with creativity and energy.

You do not need to attend both sessions to benefit from this virtual series. Please feel free to pop in and out of these sessions as necessary. We encourage you to invite your friends, families, and colleagues who may benefit from these sessions – all are welcome to participate. You only need to register once to participate in the two (2) virtual sessions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After participating in this event, you will walk away better prepared to:

  • Shift your mindset to foster resilience and positivity;
  • Fuel productive and meaningful engagement;
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, constituents, and family;
  • Ask questions that communicate care and deepen connection;
  • Frame complex problems to inspire creativity and innovative solutions.

ADDITIONAL MONDAY KICKSTARTERS INFORMATION:

EVENT VIDEOS AND MATERIALS

To prepare for these live conversations, please view this 3-minute Instructional Video, which provides an overview and instructions for the Kickstarters sessions. We also encourage you to download our free Conversation toolkit and the Preface and Introduction to Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, available at https://conversationsworthhaving.today/

METHOD OF DELIVERY

These live events will be delivered using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with.

You will receive the Zoom login information upon registration. If you have any questions about this event or have difficulty connecting in Zoom, please contact Kelly Stewart at kelly@thepositivebusiness.com.

This free event is open to everyone, however due to Zoom limitations, only the first 100 participants to log on will be able to participate in each of the live scheduled webinars. We encourage participants to log onto Zoom early to secure their seat.

CONTINUED LEARNING AND PRACTICE

If you wish to continue learning about Conversations Worth Having, we invite you to join us for the virtual Conversations Worth Having Bootcamps.

EVENT IS OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH

One blue and one green conversation bubble overlapping with the letters CWH for Conversations Worth Having

Monday Kickstarters: Turn Challenges into Conversations Worth Having

TURN CHALLENGES INTO CONVERSATIONS WORTH HAVING

The nature of our conversation is fateful. The way we think and talk about any given situation determines whether we feel energized and good about it, or drained and exhausted. Grounded in the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, Monday Kickstarters invites participants to transform negative, problematic, and stressful interactions they are experiencing into life-giving and generative conversations.

We are living in challenging times, many of us juggle stress, concerns, and challenges daily. We can move forward in ways that offer renewal, reinvention, and resiliency simply by changing our conversations.

EVENT DATES AND TIMES:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

MONDAY
September 9, 2024

MONDAY
September 16, 2024

MONDAY
September 23, 2024

MONDAY
September 30, 2024

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

MONDAY KICKSTARTERS OVERVIEW:

Monday Kickstarters is a 4-part virtual series designed to provide you the opportunity to practice asking generative questions to change the way you think about things, interact with others, and create a possibility mindset by talking about what you want instead of what you don’t want. The two practices—generative questions and positive framing–allow you to address even the most challenging problems with creativity and energy.

You do not need to attend all 4 sessions to benefit from this virtual series. Please feel free to pop in and out of these sessions as necessary. We encourage you to invite your friends, families, and colleagues who may benefit from these sessions – all are welcome to participate. You only need to register once to participate in the four (4) weekly sessions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After participating in this event, you will walk away better prepared to:

  • Shift your mindset to foster resilience and positivity;
  • Fuel productive and meaningful engagement;
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, constituents, and family;
  • Ask questions that communicate care and deepen connection;
  • Frame complex problems to inspire creativity and innovative solutions.

ADDITIONAL MONDAY KICKSTARTERS INFORMATION:

EVENT VIDEOS AND MATERIALS

To prepare for these live conversations, please view this 3-minute Instructional Video, which provides an overview and instructions for the Kickstarters sessions. We also encourage you to download our free Conversation toolkit and the Preface and Introduction to Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, available at https://conversationsworthhaving.today/

METHOD OF DELIVERY

These live events will be delivered using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with.

You will receive the Zoom login information upon registration. If you have any questions about this event or have difficulty connecting in Zoom, please contact Kelly Stewart at kelly@thepositivebusiness.com.

This free event is open to everyone, however due to Zoom limitations, only the first 100 participants to log on will be able to participate in each of the live scheduled webinars. We encourage participants to log onto Zoom early to secure their seat.

CONTINUED LEARNING AND PRACTICE

If you wish to continue learning about Conversations Worth Having, we invite you to join us for the virtual Conversations Worth Having Bootcamps.

EVENT IS OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH

One blue and one green conversation bubble overlapping with the letters CWH for Conversations Worth Having

Conversations Worth Having Trainer Certification

GET CERTIFIED TO TEACH CONVERSATIONS WORTH HAVING

Communication remains one of the top issues for employees in most organizations. Conversations Worth Having (CWH) certification gives you the ability to positively affect people’s lives by significantly improving communication within organizations. As a CWH trainer, you will have the tools and skills to offer both virtual and on-site Conversation Bootcamp trainings.

CWH CERTIFICATION DATES & TIMES:

Empower your future with the Conversations Worth Having trainer certification course. Attend Day 1 for certification in Conversations Worth Having and attend Days 1 and 2 to pursue dual certification in Conversations Worth Having and Strategic Conversations.

SINGLE CERTIFICATION

Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Certification

DUAL CERTIFICATION

Strategic Conversations Certification

Must Complete Day 1

Must Complete Days 1 and 2

DAY 1
Thursday, September 12, 2024

DAY 2

Friday, September 13, 2024

8:00am-2:00pm PDT

11:00am-5:00pm EDT

3:00pm-9:00pm GMT

8:00am-2:00pm PDT

11:00am-5:00pm EDT

3:00pm-9:00pm GMT

CWH TRAINER CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW

Conversations Worth Having Trainer Certification courses are intensive experiential learning opportunities that combine the theory, practice, and research of Appreciative Inquiry, positive psychology, and neuroscience to support the kind of communication that fuels productivity and meaningful engagement anytime, anywhere, and in any situation.

CWH Trainer certification is endorsed by the CWH Institute, The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, and the Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Following the CWH certification course, participants will be prepared to:

  • Develop practical instructional design skills and confidence plus the critical skills to facilitate learning and ensure retention.
  • Use the Training Guidebook, card deck, and other materials to enhance the learning experience for participants.
  • Deliver portions of the training with coaching and feedback.
  • Become effective at using case studies, activities, exercises, videos, and slides to support participant learning.
  • Develop skills at having conversations that help yourself and others thrive and create environments that impact well-being.
  • Become skilled at turning conflict, challenges, and problems into conversations worth having.

CERTIFICATION OPTIONS

Participants have two CWH Certification options to choose from: CWH Certification and CWH Dual Certification. CWH Certifications endorse you to officially provide the Conversation Worth Having Bootcamp in part or whole.

Young professional man smiling and holding a coffee cup, in an online conversation worth having certification course

SINGLE CWH CERTIFICATION

Deepen your ability to foster conversations worth having, expand your creative thinking about how to use the materials, and work with others to design delivery of the materials to serve your clients, organization, or community.

Prerequisite: successful completion of the Conversation Bootcamp.

Duration: 1-day, 6-hour intensive training delivered virtually consisting of instruction and applied practice.

Smiling woman sitting at a table in a wheelchair learning on a laptop as she participates in the Conversations Worth Having Dual Certification course.

DUAL CWH CERTIFICATION

Develop your value as a leader by combining strategic thinking and planning with strategic conversations and work with others to design delivery of the materials to serve your clients, organization, and community.

Prerequisite: successful completion of the Conversation Bootcamp and Strategic Conversations Bootcamp.

Duration: 2-day intensive training delivered virtually; each day consists of 6 hours of instruction and applied practice.

REGISTRATION BENEFITS

Participants enrolled in CWH Trainer Certification courses will have everything they need to teach Conversations Worth Having and implement the bootcamps for which they are certified.

AS A PARTICIPANT:

Registration in the CWH Certification course includes:

  • Minimum of one-year (1) access to the latest online training materials.
  • CWH Training PowerPoint slides and agendas.
  • Participant workbook.
  • CWH Study Guide.
  • CWH WoJo.
  • CWH Bootcamp videos.
  • Case studies, stories, and activities.
  • Certificate of Completion template.
  • CWH marketing and promotional materials.
  • Ability to co-brand materials.
  • CWHConnect Calls: Community of Practice (connect, share, and learn among CWH trainers).
  • Consulting and training referrals.
AS A CERTIFIED CWH TRAINER:

In addition to the benefits listed above, certified CWH trainers will also enjoy:

  • A profile listing on the CWH Institute website.
  • Opportunity to work with the CWH Community in ways that may increase professional exposure, credibility, and residual income.
  • Opportunity to submit open trainings through The Center for Appreciative Inquiry and CWH Institute website.
  • A SOAR profile to help you better understand your natural capacity for strategic thinking, planning, and leading (available to participants enrolled in dual CWH certification for Strategic Conversations).

CERTIFICATION DESIGNED FOR

This certification course is designed for practitioners, trainers, and leaders driving positive change within organizations and communities, with teams, and with individuals, including:

• Managers and leaders.
• Training and development practitioners.
• Human resource professionals.
• Organization development professionals.

• Talent management practitioners.
• Coaches.
• Internal and external consultants.
• Teachers, school counselors, and principals.

METHOD OF DELIVERY

Conversations Worth Having Trainer Certification courses are delivered live and recorded using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with. You will receive the meeting login information from your trainers in two separate emails. The first email will be sent two weeks prior to the event; the second to be sent the day before the course begins.

CWH CERTIFICATION COURSE OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Conversations Worth Having logo consists of two speech bubbles overlapping one another with the acronym CWH written which stands for Conversations Worth Having.

Strategic Conversation Bootcamp

WHOLE SYSTEMS CHANGE WITH STRATEGIC CONVERSATIONS

A lack of strategic thinking and planning in organizations is costly. The greatest expense is the investment of time and resources into activities that do not support company goals or the mission. In addition, employees show up, do their work, and go home. This results in missed opportunities. Without a context for their work, employees are not inspired to think or plan creatively about process improvement, innovation, or cost savings. And anyone who has tried knows, it can be a struggle to get teams to buy-in to strategic goals, much less think and work in alignment with those goals.

BOOTCAMP DATES AND TIMES:

The Strategic Conversation Bootcamp consists of two virtual sessions with each session lasting 2.5 hours. Below are the dates and times of both bootcamp sessions.

SESSION 1

SESSION 2

TUESDAY
October 15, 2024

THURSDAY
October 17, 2024

9:00am-11:30am EDT

1:00pm-3:30pm GMT

2:00pm-4:30pm BST


9:00am-11:30am EDT

1:00pm-3:30pm GMT

2:00pm-4:30pm BST

Please note: ALL virtual sessions for the strategic conversation bootcamp will be recorded and saved for participants who are unable to attend a scheduled webinar. Links to the recordings will be provided so that participants can view/listen to the recording at a time that works best for them.

STRATEGIC CONVERSATION BOOTCAMP OVERVIEW:

Develop your capacity to foster whole system strategic planning, thinking, and leading with Strategic Conversations. Organizations poised for growth and success have leaders who are adopting strategic thinking as an on-going way of doing business and strategic planning that engages employees across the whole organization as well as external stakeholders. They engage everyone in developing agile plans, cycles of experimentation and learning, innovation, and measuring actions against relevant metrics.

Strategic Conversations Bootcamp will teach you how to incorporate two powerful methodologies – SOAR and the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle – to support and develop your capacity to have strategic conversations at the level of the individual, team, division, and the whole organization or community.

BOOTCAMP MODULES

The Strategic Conversation Bootcamp consists of four (4) modules. Click on any of the module titles below to display the purpose and learning objectives for each session.

MODULE 1: VALUING STRATEGIC THINKING
VALUING STRATEGIC THINKING

PURPOSE: Appreciate the value of strategic thinking and adopt an appreciative framework for strategic conversations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Practice framing and asking generative questions for simple strategic conversations.
• Recognize the 3 key factors of strategic conversations and the basic principles for leading them.
• Adopt an Appreciative Inquiry framework for strategic thinking.
• Understand the importance of strategic conversations and the role generative questions and positive framing play.

MODULE 2: FOSTERING SOAR CONVERSATIONS
FOSTERING SOAR CONVERSATIONS

PURPOSE: Learn how to use SOAR to frame strategic conversations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Understand the SOAR Framework for strategic thinking.
• Experience SOAR as a positive approach for strategic conversations.
• Practice positive framing and generative questions using SOAR at various levels in the organization.

MODULE 3: THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY 5-D CYCLE
THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY 5-D CYCLE

PURPOSE: Entertain strategic conversations at scale, e.g., strategic planning or whole system change, using the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D Cycle.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Learn how you engage whole systems in strategic conversations.
• Use two AI practices (positive framing & generative questions) to frame a topic and craft an inquiry.
• Identify opportunities to facilitate whole system conversations.

MODULE 4: STRATEGIC AREA FOR APPLICATION
STRATEGIC AREA FOR APPLICATION

PURPOSE: Build capacity for practical application of SOAR and the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Deepen your capacity to foster strategic conversations.
• Design and share a prototype for a strategic conversation.
• Practice giving and receiving feedforward.

BOOTCAMP OUTCOMES

This bootcamp will prepare you to engage your teams in strategic conversations that can:

  • Increase productivity, engagements, and organizational effectiveness;
  • Reduce costs, misalignment, and conflicts;
  • Improve customer service levels;
  • Innovate in the face of challenges;
  • Make a positive contribution to the bottom line.

Using two very powerful methodologies (SOAR and the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle), you will have the tools to engage teams from a whole system perspective in conversations to:

  • Address short- and long-term challenges, systems, and innovation;
  • Explore strengths, dynamic capabilities, and opportunities;
  • Develop or re-evaluate organization’s values, vision, and mission statements;
  • Set goals, objectives, strategies, and action plans;
  • Clarify roles, relationships, and expectations;
  • Track progress through regular cycles of action learning.

ADDITIONAL BOOTCAMP INFORMATION

METHOD OF DELIVERY

These live events will be delivered and recorded using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with. You will receive the meeting login information from your trainers in two separate emails. First email will be sent two weeks prior to the event; the second to be sent the day before the bootcamp.

We invite you to learn more about the CONVERSATIONS BOOTCAMP also offered in partnership with Conversations Worth Having.

SUGGESTED READING

The Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Bootcamps are built upon the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement (2nd Edition) written by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres.

This book demonstrates how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) – one of the most widely used approaches for fostering positive change for individuals, groups, organizations, and communities – can help everyone communicate better and flourish in all areas of their lives.

Book Cover for Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement (2nd edition) by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres. The cover consists of red, blue, green, and yellow speech bubbles.

Buy Book
BOOTCAMP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Conversations Worth Having logo consists of two speech bubbles overlapping one another with the acronym CWH written which stands for Conversations Worth Having.

Conversation Bootcamp

FUEL PRODUCTIVE AND MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT

Conversations are at the heart of everything we do and are essential to effective communications, leadership, high performing teams, and strong relationships. We know that conversations influence us, but we rarely stop to think about how much they affect our well-being, the well-being of others, or the health of our organizations and communities.

Communication remains the top issue for organizations, teams, and relationships. Most people struggle to effectively communicate when they are frustrated, angry, hurt, or facing conflict. The effects of poor communication are costly and show up in organizations as:

  • Employee disengagement, malaise, and turnover;
  • Dysfunctional teams;
  • Poor performance;
  • Inability to give and receive critical feedback;
  • Negative attitudes, cliques, and gossip: a culture of “me”.

If you’re dealing with any of these outcomes, the Conversation Bootcamp from Conversations Worth Having will give you the skills and tools to turn them around. This program is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, one of the most widely used positive change approaches. Two simple Appreciative Inquiry practices can turn your entire culture around, creating a culture of conversations worth having.

BOOTCAMP DATES AND TIMES:

The Conversation Bootcamp consists of two virtual sessions with each session lasting 2.5 hours. Below are the dates and times of both bootcamp sessions.

SESSION 1

SESSION 2

TUESDAY
October 8, 2024

THURSDAY
October 10, 2024

9:00am-11:30am EDT

1:00pm-3:30pm GMT

2:00pm-4:30pm BST

9:00am-11:30am EDT

1:00pm-3:30pm GMT

2:00pm-4:30pm BST

Please note: ALL virtual sessions for this conversation bootcamp will be recorded and saved for participants who are unable to attend a scheduled webinar. Links to the recordings will be provided so that participants can view/listen to the recording at a time that works best for them.

CONVERSATION BOOTCAMP OVERVIEW:

The Conversation Bootcamp is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, one of the most widely used positive change approaches. Two simple Appreciative Inquiry practices – positive framing and generative questions – can turn your entire culture around, creating a culture of conversations worth having. Get the tools needed to help you establish communication practices that support productivity, engagement, high performance teams, regular feedback, positivity, and a culture of “we.”

BOOTCAMP MODULES

The Conversation Bootcamp consists of four (4) modules. Click on any of the module titles below to display the purpose and learning objectives for each session.

MODULE 1: THE POWER OF CONVERSATION
THE POWER OF CONVERSATION

PURPOSE: Understand the nature of our conversations, how they affect human being and doing, and develop your ability to choose.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Choose to be intentional with your conversations.
• Experience the nature of your conversations and the effects they have on you and others.
• Use mindfulness tools to shift reactionary communication to deliberate conversation.

MODULE 2: THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS
THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS

PURPOSE: Understand the basics of Appreciative Inquiry and improve your ability to ask generative questions to foster effective communication.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Choose curiosity over knowing and assuming.
• Experience the impact Appreciative Inquiry has on individual and organizational capacity.
• Use generative questions to shift the dynamics of personal and workplace communication problems.

MODULE 3: INTENTIONAL FRAMING
INTENTIONAL FRAMING

PURPOSE: Use positive framing to intentionally foster effective communication and continue to develop your ability to ask generative questions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Use flipping to frame workplace communication issues.
• Experience flipping negative conversations to conversations worth having.
• Develop generative questions to fuel productive and meaningful engagement around workplace challenges.

MODULE 4: STEP UP TO FEEDBACK
STEP UP TO FEEDBACK

PURPOSE: Develop the skill and the motivation to routinely seek out feedback and promptly provide effective feedback, even in the most critical of situations

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Adopt a learning mindset to support openness and interest in feedback.
• Experience and choose to change feedback avoidance patterns.
• Use effective feedback strategies with common workplace situations.

BOOTCAMP OUTCOMES

Following this bootcamp, participants will be prepared to:

  • Keep your cool when you want to explode!
  • Effectively challenge assumptions and preconceptions, including yours.
  • Deal with conflict quickly and effectively.
  • Fuel productive and meaningful engagement.
  • Communicate successfully with people who hold negative attitudes or defensive positions.
  • Give and receive critical feedback in ways that promote learning and high performance.
  • Ask the kind of questions that deepen understanding, strengthen connections, and inspire possibility.
  • Talk with colleagues in ways that invite them to collaborate on projects and strategic outcomes.
  • Listen with genuine curiosity.
  • Frame any conversation, even one around a highly complex problem, to inspire creative and innovative thinking and solutions.

ADDITIONAL BOOTCAMP INFORMATION

METHOD OF DELIVERY

These live events will be delivered and recorded using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with. You will receive the meeting login information from your trainers in two separate emails. First email will be sent two weeks prior to the event; the second to be sent the day before the bootcamp.

We invite you to learn more about the STRATEGIC CONVERSATION BOOTCAMP also offered in partnership with Conversations Worth Having.

SUGGESTED READING

The Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Bootcamps are built upon the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement (2nd Edition) written by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres.

This book demonstrates how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) – one of the most widely used approaches for fostering positive change for individuals, groups, organizations, and communities – can help everyone communicate better and flourish in all areas of their lives.

Book Cover for Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement (2nd edition) by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres. The cover consists of red, blue, green, and yellow speech bubbles.

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BOOTCAMP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Conversations Worth Having logo consists of two speech bubbles overlapping one another with the acronym CWH written which stands for Conversations Worth Having.