Appreciative inquiry and leadership transitions

Abstract 

In times of accelerated change accompanied by leadership transitions, appreciative inquiry (AI) and sensemaking skills are necessary. AI is a philosophy, a model of change, and a set of tools and techniques that support discovery, dreaming, design, and creation of a vision that inspires people in an organization to move toward a collective destiny. Sensemaking involves sizing up a situation to create a framework for decision-making, creating a context for communication, linking with others, and focusing on what is and what could be. Sensemaking can be facilitated by applying appreciative leadership techniques. In this article, the story of the University of Utah College of Nursing’s and the faculty’s experience with an AI process illustrates the application of the AI leadership strategy to navigating organizational change and a leadership transition.

Keywords:  Leadership, Organization change, Strategic planning