Appreciative Inquiry is an approach that values and appreciates what already exists in the team. It moves away from diagnoses, criticisms, and negative points of view to focus on the strengths and assets of the system. It is a cooperative search for the best in people. The starting point is that individuals and human systems tend towards excellence by amplifying their strengths.

By recognising the strengths present, Appreciative Inquiry encourages support and expands the capacity to respond to blocking situations. The process is collective, taking place in 5 phases, and is based on the art of asking questions that reinforce the potential of the actors involved and the group of which they are a part.

When people experience this process, the emotions they feel are positive ones. In contrast to anger, fear, or frustration, which restrict cognitive abilities, positivity reveals positive actions.