Appreciative Inquiry Workshop

What Is Appreciative Inquiry (AI)?

Appreciative Inquiry is a practical approach to change based on exploring what already works well. Rather than starting with problems, we begin by asking the right questions to surface insights, strengthen relationships and move toward shared goals.

Using a simple five-step process (Discover, Dream, Design, Deliver, Destiny), teams shift from insight to action in a way that feels energising and constructive.

Example: In one university department, the team identified their onboarding process as a hidden success story. By unpacking why it worked and adapting the approach across the department, they improved morale and team cohesion.

Who Is It For?

NHS and public sector teams who want to improve morale, teamwork, or impact
Departments and larger teams navigating change or planning ahead
Managers and leaders seeking a more open, engaging approach to team development
Teams looking to reflect on their values, strengths and aspirations in a structured way

What Your Team Will Gain

A shared understanding of what’s already working, and why
Clear, co-created next steps that feel realistic and owned
Improved skills in active listening, reframing and asking better questions
A hands-on introduction to the Appreciative Inquiry method
A more connected, thoughtful and energised team culture

What To Expect?

This one-day in-person workshop blends reflection, interaction, and structure – guided by experienced Strengthify facilitators who understand the realities of working in public service.

Before the session, we work with the team’s leader to identify a real topic or challenge they want to explore. We then design the session including a full set of tailored Appreciative Inquiry questions to fit that specific focus.

During the session, your team will:

Start with a reflective exercise to identify what makes a great team experience
Take part in guided peer conversations using reframing, listening and generative questioning
Work through the full 5D Appreciative Inquiry process using your team’s own topic
Create a shared vision, generate ideas and agree on practical actions
Explore tools and techniques they can take back to use with others

We also provide:

Pre-session scoping to select and frame the right focus
Strengths-based resources and visual facilitation tools
An optional pre-session video to introduce the AI approach
Follow-up support and takeaway materials to keep the momentum going

How This Workshop Fits Into the Bigger Picture

This Appreciative Inquiry Workshop can be delivered as a powerful standalone session, but it also works brilliantly as part of a wider strengths-based approach.

Organisations often combine this with:

Discovery Workshops to uncover individual strengths and team dynamics before diving into group challenges
Team Development Workshops that build on Appreciative Inquiry outcomes and embed shared habits, behaviours and trust
Our Management Development Programme (MDP) to help managers take these practices into their day-to-day leadership
Ongoing consultancy or coaching to embed reflective practices and follow through on agreed actions

We can work with you to sequence these in a way that meets your needs, whether you're preparing for a restructure, refreshing culture, or simply want to unlock more from your team.

Attendees interacting at various Discovery Workshops

Let's Build From What Works

If your team needs a reset, a moment to reconnect or support during change, Appreciative Inquiry offers a clear, engaging and evidence-based way forward. Get in touch to explore whether this is right for your team — and how it might link with other Strengthify support you already have or are considering.

Get in touch

Discover What’s Working And Build On It

Our Appreciative Inquiry Workshop helps your team pause, reflect and move forward together.