Page 75 - Appreciative Leadership

48 Appreciative Leadership

What questions are windows to the future. They are an eff ective way
to generate possibilities, explore options, and unlock potential. If you
want to stimulate creativity and uncover opportunities for innovation,
ask what is possible, what might happen, what could be better, what
are your boldest and most compelling hopes and dreams?

• Where are the greatest opportunities to realize our hopes and
dreams?
• Where might we leverage our strengths for even better results?
• Where shall we begin?

Where questions are strategic divining rods. They bring general ideas

to life by identifying specific areas for action. If you want to focus

action, ask where are the biggest opportunities, where are the open-
ings for collaboration, where shall we start to ensure a long-lasting
impact?

• How shall we proceed?
• How can I help you realize your wildest hopes and dreams?
• How can I support you right now?

How questions, like those above, create the path forward together.

They are process questions. They tell us who will do what by when.
Th ey provide information about actions, support, and resources
needed. If you want to get people in alignment about next steps, ask,
discuss, and determine how. How shall we organize to achieve our
goals? How shall we engage others? How shall we communicate our
intention? How shall we measure and celebrate our success?
Obviously, there are an endless number of appreciative questions

available at any given time. They are a powerful resource that will
never run out. Ask one; and if you like it, ask it again. You may fi nd a

few that are your regulars. Or you may find that you like the creative
process of making up new questions as new situations emerge.