[Ailist] Appreciation vs. Cynicism

[sherene zolno]

Thanks Leif, for the reminders, and for sharing your insight--Wow!

Sherene


On 3/8/08 11:33 PM, "Leif Josefsson" <leif.josefsson at gmail.com> wrote:

> I think this is a wonderful discussion. So this is my view and recollection
> 
>> From my perspective It started with a question around Steve Jobs and around
> the possibility to appreciate results from people who might not be very
> positive but with very strong missions.
> 
> It took a couple of turns around the Apple - PC debate where there was some
> offense taken around what some might have felt as attacks on a dear friend
> (the mac)
> 
> Then it jumped of to another thread around appreciation vs being positive
> (my interpretation again)
> And about making assumptions and labeling people
> And if it is permitted for a candidates wife that fundamental values have
> been lost on the way.
> 
> I have been a very happy reader and participant of these discussions as they
> suddenly have become an idea laboratory instead of "I am new to this, and I
> have a question" and "I am an expert of this and I have your answer"  (sorry
> - this was a little bit of humour  (ha ha))
> 
> Anyway I got three fantastic pieces that I have used already.
> 
> The idea of being a catalyst - it was so right for me at that moment and I
> used it immediately
> The concept of leaving a Zero sum game - thank you!
> The speech of Steve Jobs - It gave a picture of an inside that is looking
> into strengths
> 
> Thank you all for this.
> Finally, I would like to add a couple of thoughts connected to this, that
> gives meaning to me on a higher level
> *Reflection nr 1 - Appreciative vs Positive*
> I am not totally happy with the immediate connection to "Positive" from
> Appreciative and/or strength based.  I fear it takes us in a direction of
> "pursuit of happiness" stuff.  Life is not always happy.  It's full of hard
> times and low tides.  I have begun to learn to appreciate that this is the
> way it is at times.  You can trust that the water is coming back and allow
> yourself not to be cheerful.
> **
> *Reflection nr 2 - Appreciate the consequence of something not positive*
> Connecting with this I would like to say a couple of words around Obama &
> Company.  From a european perspective the present president is perceived in
> a positive way by less than 10% of the population in any country.
> The opportunities of uniting the world was wasted by the present
> administration. Many would agree to that. (and I am sorry if I offend
> someone by saying this)  But looking through the situation with an
> appreciative lens there are a lot of interesting things happening.
> Thanks to the present president...
> 
>    - there is a good chance that either a black person or a woman will
>    become president of the US
>    - the world has become a more balanced place where a weakened US and a
>    stronger Europe, India, China & South America might mean more equal
>    relations in the world
>    - The self confidence of Europe has grown, with an understanding of
>    our responsibility for the world
> 
> *Reflection nr 3 - Looking into the consequences of a multi perspective
> identity*
> One of the basics of AI, whole systems change etc is the idea of multiple
> perspectives.  That each person has his/her own reality. That different
> realities can co exist, and different perspectives can be equally
> relevant.
> In the AI-list there is participation from a lot of people all over the
> world.  Sometimes I wonder if some of the US participants are aware of
> this.  I think one strenght of having a European identity is the inevitable
> understanding that we live in different and perceive different realities.
> Sweden is the size of Californa with the population of New York.
> If you decide to embrace an European identity you will  have an identity
> where your fellow Europeans come from almost30 countries with as many
> languages and mostly with a foreign language, English, as you communication
> vehicle.
> 
> Some examples of consequences:
> Always write our phone number like this:  +46 707 73 00 54
> Write our adress in full, not assuming others know abbreviations (like WA,
> NE etc)
> Understand that we must negotiate around perspectives before action,
> allowing for the frustrating process of negotiation before meaningful action
> can be taken.
> 
> To all the list colleagues in the world, appreciate the week ahead -
> whatever it may bring!
> 
> ps.  By the way, there is a great network conference arranged by the
> European Network around Appreciative Inquiry and Strength Based Change in
> Norway April 10,11,12.  Check out www.networkplace.eu for information and
> registration!
> 
> Leif Josefsson
> Stockholm, Sweden, Europe
> I live 
> here<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=sv&geocode=&q=%25C3%2596landsgatan+48,
> +11663+Stockholm,+Sweden+(%25C3%2596landsgatan+48)&sll=59.332788,18.064488&ssp
> n=0.34392,1.005249&ie=UTF8&ll=59.313571,18.109589&spn=0.086028,0.363922&t=h&z=
> 12&iwloc=addr>
>