The Right Kind of Positivity

Appreciative inquiry is a powerful approach for personal growth and organizational development. What exactly is it?

Appreciative inquiry is a shift away from problem-solving and toward possibility-imagining. In other words, it encourages us to focus on our strengths, successes, and positive experiences rather than dwelling on our weaknesses or failures. By asking empowering questions and reframing our perspectives, appreciative inquiry helps us envision a future filled with possibility and growth.

How does it work?

Envisioning a future of possibility and growth sounds great, but how does appreciative inquiry help you reframe your perspective?

Instead of asking questions like, “What went wrong?,” “Why did we fail?,” or “What’s wrong with me?,” the appreciative inquiry approach asks generative questions such as, “What’s working well?, “What’s possible?,” and “What brings us joy and fulfillment?”

At its core, appreciative inquiry is about harnessing the power of positivity to inspire change and transformation. It encourages us to celebrate our achievements – no matter how small – and to build upon our strengths to create meaningful and lasting improvements in our lives. Furthermore, appreciative inquiry unlocks creativity, enabling you and your team to think in bigger and bolder ways, paving the way for innovation.

While appreciative inquiry is highly effective, there is a risk that conversations and evaluations conducted within this framework can slip into overly rosy views. As such, the perils of toxic positivity cannot be overstated.

Toxic positivity manifests itself in the relentless promotion of positive thinking and emotions, often at the expense of acknowledging and processing negative feelings. When we engage in toxic positivity, we deny ourselves the opportunity to fully experience and learn from our emotions, leading to feelings of invalidation and disconnection.

Toxic positivity can also create unrealistic expectations and pressure to maintain a facade of happiness, even in the face of significant challenges or adversity. This can be exhausting – and ultimately detrimental to our mental health and well-being.

So, how do we strike the balance between appreciative inquiry and toxic positivity? How can we realize the incredible benefits of appreciative inquiry – while maintaining a realistic view of our situation or the challenges facing our organizations?

Here are a few strategies:

1. Practice Emotional Awareness. Take the time to acknowledge and validate your positive and negative emotions. Embrace vulnerability and allow yourself to experience the full range of human emotions without judgment.
2. Cultivate Authenticity. Be honest and genuine in your interactions with yourself and others. Authenticity fosters genuine connections and allows for meaningful growth and transformation.
3. Embrace Growth Mindset. Adopt a growth mindset that sees setbacks and challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Approach life with curiosity and openness to new experiences.
4. Practice Gratitude. Cultivate gratitude for the positives in your life, but also acknowledge the lessons and growth that come from adversity. Gratitude can coexist with acknowledgment of struggle.
5. Seek Support. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, your coach, or a mental health professional who can offer empathy, validation, and guidance when needed.

Finding the balance between appreciative inquiry and toxic positivity is essential for maintaining our mental well-being and fostering genuine personal growth. We can navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience by embracing authenticity, practicing emotional awareness, and cultivating a growth mindset.

Remember, true positivity isn’t about denying the challenges we face, but rather finding strength and resilience in the midst of them. Let’s embrace the power of positivity in a way that honors our emotions and fosters genuine growth and connection. If you need help, you know Coach Lindsey is ready to support you!