Page 23 - Appreciative Leadership

xxii Introduction

Strategies of Appreciative Leadership. We also asked them each to

offer up the one message that they would like leadership around the

world to hear. Their ideas were simple and to the point. A dozen of
the messages they shared are listed below; and others are sprinkled
throughout the book: 7

• Live what you espouse.
• Ask the questions nobody else does.
• Be engaged, be passionate, and be present.
• Consider all citizens your citizens.
• Take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of this
planet.
• Believe in the art of possibility.

• Learn to create harmony among diff erences.
• Be optimistic; have a can-do attitude.
• Give everyone a voice; collaborate.
• Take time to think, strategize, and check your plan.
• Love people; be people centric.
• Share vision and mission with everyone.

The focus group conversations were energizing and enlightening
for everyone involved. Participants and facilitators alike came away
with a clearer sense of what people want and expect of leadership, and
how to be better leaders themselves. The Five Core Strategies were

confirmed, and numerous specific practices were identifi ed—many of

which fill the pages that follow.
Introducing . . . Appreciative Leadership

The purpose of this book is to introduce you to the notions of Appre-
ciative Leadership and positive power that have developed through
our experiences and research. It is intended to give you a framework
for understanding what Appreciative Leadership is, how to do it, and