WITH OUR QUESTIONS WE MAKE THE WORLD

Abstract

Appreciative inquiry is built upon recognition of the profound power of questions in shaping our worlds; a power invoked by the phrase, “questions are fateful.” We wonder, “What kinds of questions can optimize our inquiry and contribute to catalyzing transformational change?” The goal of this chapter is to provide conceptual and practical answers to this question. We seek to enrich and contribute to the field of appreciative inquiry through expanded ways of thinking about inquiry and the generation of questions. We begin by considering how questions influence how we think, behave, and relate. How do questions affect outcomes? We examine the nature of thinking as intrinsically a question and answer process and highlight the vital role of “QuestionThinking™” for creating new possibilities. We present the Learner-Judger Mindset Model, which provides distinctions for strengthening the spirit of inquiry in constructing questions. Then we examine how appreciative inquiry practitioners can take advantage of the distinctions and practices of QuestionThinking using the Mindset Model. Finally, we provide practical question-centered practices that can lead to positive new futures for ourselves and the individuals and organizations we serve.

Citation

Adams, M.G., Schiller, M. and Cooperrider, D.L. (2004), "WITH OUR QUESTIONS WE MAKE THE WORLD", Cooperrider, D.L. and Avital, M. (Ed.) Constructive Discourse and Human Organization (Advances in Appreciative Inquiry, Vol. 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 105-124. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1475-9152(04)01005-1