Appreciative Inquiry

Designing Appreciative Interview Questions Interviews are the engine of Appreciative Inquiry. They are the primary vehicle for collecting data during the discovery phase, and the quality of your questions directly determines the quality of the insights you gather. Your goal is to ask the **best possible positive question** — one that is powerful, provocative, and capable of drawing out the very best from people. What Makes a Great AI Question? Every AI question has two parts: **Part One – Positive Image:** The question evokes a real, personal experience. You're helping participants surface and share the best moments from the past. **Part Two – Positive Action:** The question moves beyond the past to help participants envision the best possible future. Use these guidelines when crafting your questions: State all questions affirmatively Start with a leading question that builds on the affirmative topic Invite participants to speak in story and narrative (rapport talk, not report talk) Be comfortable with ambiguity — it gives participants space to explore their creativity Sincerely project unconditional positive regard Provide a safe space to evoke values, aspirations, and inspiration Types of Questions in the Interview Guide A complete AI interview guide includes three types of questions: 1. **Opening Questions** — Help participants reflect on their history and experience with the organization (e.g., *"What attracted you here? Why