Appreciative inquiry principles: the anticipatory principle

This article, written by Emotional Intelligence Coach Andy Smith, describes the anticipatory principle which is one of the underpinnings of Appreciative Inquiry (AI). It argues that it is easier and more effective to move towards a positive imagined future than away from a negative one. It is principle number 4 in a series of principles outlined. More principle are listed below. 

Other blog posts by Andy Smith, on the original AI principles as defined by David Cooperrider

• the Constructionist Principle - the need to read, understand and analyse organizations as living, human constructions.
• the Simultaneity Principle - recognising that inquiry and change are not separate moments - that collecting data is simultaneously an intervention
• the Poetic Principle - the value of different interpretations of events and narratives
• the Positive Principle - the need for positive emotion for improved performance
• the Wholeness Principle - the need to have 'the whole system' in the room - or at least someone representing each group of stakeholders