The Definition
Phase is perhaps the most critical
aspect of the Appreciative Discernment
process, because it sets the direction for the process. Mindful of the Appreciative Inquiry maxim−
that an organization will move towards that about which it most persistently
inquires− it is important that the discernment process be focused on the positive future that is desired. As a community, how we focus the process will determine what we create.
The Appreciative Discernment process revolves around this Affirmative Topic Choice. This choice
needs to be unconditionally positive. In my religious congregation we used the
topic of: A bold and faithful future
together. In a parish community that
used this process they chose the topic: Walking
in faith and moving forward with Christ. These topics expressed the hoped for outcome of the discernment
process. A community must thoughtfully and prayerfully chose a topic that best focuses the process on the hope
that motivates the community to engage in the process.
William Nordenbrock
Characteristics of Good Topics
Affirmative topics should
focus on what members of an organization want to see grow and flourish in their organization. They should evoke conversations of the desired future. When we ask people what
they want more of in their organization, the answers are often provocative. As conversations shift
away from problems, obstacles, and barriers—and move toward the definition and
description of people’s highest ideals for their organization—energy and enthusiasm rise (...)
Whatever the focus, good
affirmative topics share four characteristics:
- Topics are positive. They are stated in the affirmative.
- Topics are desirable. The organization wants to grow, develop, and enhance them.
- Topics stimulate learning. The organization is genuinely curious about them and wants to become more knowledgeable and proficient in them.
- Topics stimulate conversations about desired futures. They take the organization where it wants to go. They link to the organization’s Change Agenda.
After
completing the Affirmative Topic Choice phase, an organization will have
between three and five compelling, inspirational topics that will serve as the
focus for in-depth inquiry, learning, and transformation.
Diana Whitney & Amanda
Trosten-Bloom
Our
overall AFFIRMATIVE TOPIC
“United
in the mission of Christ at the service of the African world”
AFFIRMATIVE
TOPIC per Dimension
IDENTITY
“Rooted in Christ, in the spirit of our founder we live in the intercultural communities at the service of the African world”
HUMAN
RESOURCES
“In
the service of the Kingdom of God we are invited to empower our confreres and
candidates to be life givers and to be attentive to the elderly confreres, the
sick and the broken”
FINANCES
AND MATERIAL RESOURCES
“Our
resources at the service of the kingdom of God”
MISSION
“Rooted
in Christ as heirs of Lavigerie, we are called and sent to proclaim the mission
of Christ to the African world of today”
GOVERNANCE
AND LEADERSHIP
“Christ-centred
governance and leadership responsive to the signs of the time”
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