"Process Over Outcome"

First, I learned to be outcome-oriented. I wanted to show up to the conversation already knowing the answer. Now, I am unlearning that and learning to be process-oriented instead. I am finding that the more you focus on the quality of the process, the better, more creative, more inspiring outcomes you make. But, wow, is it hard to let go of those old patterns of control! For me, this has been an ongoing practice and an opportunity to try something new. 

My love of understanding communication has eased this transition somewhat because the truth is that the process IS the communication- it's the collaboration and coordination that happens between us. We have so many choices about how we navigate our communication. One that I am beginning to learn about is Appreciative Inquiry (AI)- the ultimate process over outcome approach. I invite you to learn along with me by listening in on my latest podcast episode with Diana Whitney PhD, who was crucial in developing AI along with David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva. (You can listen to the first 30 seconds of this episode to get a quick idea of what Appreciative Inquiry is!)

This conversation and (more importantly) the tools, language, and perspective of approaches like Appreciative Inquiry and Coordinated Management of Meaning are so important for us to embrace right now! If you're like me, you are desperate to create some "Positive Change" in the world. And Diana has some really meaningful guidance for us as we work to do that.

As someone who has been directly involved with making positive change through the Corporation for Positive Change, The Taos Institute, and the URI (United Religions Initiative), Diana brings so much wisdom and so many important stories to our conversation.

Personally, I am leaving this conversation even more curious than I started it (which is saying a lot!), so let's keep learning together! 

Thank you, Diana, for sharing your time and insight with me!

Listen to my conversation with Diana here: https://www.storieslivedstoriestold.com/podcast/episode/80ac3738/on-appreciative-inquiry-and-positive-change-with-diana-whitney-or-ep-135