Focus on what works. Uncover conditions for success. Build positive energy. Generate insights from peak experiences.

Participants complete appreciative interviews, gather positive stories, and identify strength-based insights.

Success stories energize; problem focus drains. We learn more from success. It's easier to replicate success than fix problems. Knowing success is possible creates momentum. As the interviewer:

• Ask follow-up questions and get specific details.


• Notice what made the success possible. Don't rush to the next question.

Good follow-up questions:

• "Tell me more about that..."


• "What made that possible?"


• "Who else was involved?"


• "How did you feel?"


• "What would you do again?"

Have people tell their partner's story (not their own). This honors the other person and improves active listening. Partners often tell the story better than the original storyteller. Common themes: Autonomy, trust, collaboration, clear purpose, resources, support, and recognition. Use this exercise at the start of strategic planning, for team building, during change initiatives, after problem-focused sessions, or when energy is low. Don't dismiss legitimate problems or force positivity when serious issues exist. Don't use this instead of addressing real concerns. Don't rush the storytelling. I've seen groups get impatient here. When this works, room energy lifts. People see possibilities. Specific conditions for success are identified.