Replying to LO27880 --
On February 19, in response to LO27860, Richard Seel wrote,
> Do you need a questionnaire? Personally, I'm not very keen on
> questionnaires. I believe that we can get a much better perspective by
> using a form of collaborative inquiry, inviting those who are the
> 'subject' of the inquiry to also become co-creators of it.
> In this way you can discover what is really important in the organisation
> you are working with. A questionnaire only lets you glimpse those areas
> which it pre-determines.
>
> What do others think?
Richard, I'm whole-heartedly in agreement. As you probably know, your
approach is very much in accord with the emerging methodology called
"Appreciative Inquiry," which itself is rooted in the theory of social
constructionism. Without going into exhaustive detail, a basic premise of
these is that the way in which we inquire, and invite others to speak
about things that already work (for who wouldn't want more of the same?),
is by itself an intervention that will drive positive change. Your phrase
"co-creating through collaborative inquiry" (if you'll accept my
paraphrase) sounds right on. When we invite people to tell the stories of
success, and begin by being truly curious about, and receptive to, the
answers they provide, we will learn much about "motivation" even as we are
encouraging the actions and behaviours that foster ever more
organizational success.
Malcolm Burson
Director of Special Projects
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
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