Book 9: Using Strengths to Solve Challenges

3. Inquiry is a Seed of Change

Many things in our lives have changed so much and continue to grow over time. But what makes them change? What steps do they take to make something different? We’d be surprised to know that the simplest way to make changes is to ask a question. Inquiry is the seed of change because it brings up the mental question of “What if?”

“What if cell phones didn’t just make calls, but sent a message of typed text?”
“What if we sold fries with our hamburger and called it a combo meal?”
“What if new customers received a 10% discount when they sign with us?”

Through Appreciative Inquiry, anyone can ask a question that seeks to find another type of thinking. When different types of ‘thinkers’ come together, it can create various types of changes that can alter how we view many things in our lives.