[Ailist] AI vs solution focussed coaching

[Mark Berns]

Hi Ros, and welcome.

AI can be used for both individuals and organizations. A significant
difference is that instead of identifying something "broken" and finding
solutions, AI focuses on identifying a desired future state and building
upon organizational and/or personal strengths to get there.

By focusing on stories of high point experiences and strengths, the process
builds engagement and creativity among participants. Think about the
difference in mood if you were part of a team that was told "We have a
seroius problem, you're all screwing up, and heads will roll unless you find
ways to fix this," vs. "Think of a time when you were part of a team
operating at its peak. What was going on? What was your contribution?" and
then asked to fit those positive experiences into a framework for building a
strong team. On an individual basis, a friend of mine used AI to help
individual employees identify activities that most engaged them and then
helped them take outplacement aid to get training that would let them find
work in those areas.

Also, it's not that AI ignores problems in need of solutions, it's that it
helps frame them differently. For example, if someone's complaining about
issues in the organization, it can be more productive to look at what it
would look like if it were working well rather than how annoying it is to
them currently.

Hope that helps. Much more can be found at the AI Commons
(http://ai.case.edu).

Best regards,
Mark

************************************************************
Mark Berns
Ready About LLC | New Directions for Organizations
25 Buckingham Place, Norwalk, CT 06851| Phone: 203-247-6369
Web: www.readyaboutllc.com | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/markberns



-----Original Message-----
From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
[mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of Ros and
Cranleigh Lee
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 12:14 AM
To: ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
Subject: [Ailist] AI vs solution focussed coaching

Hi
I am new to the subject of AI and have been discussing and researching it
(briefly) as part of a positive psychology group I have formed with other
coaches for our own professional development.

We have been asking how AI differs from solution focussed coaching.  Is it
that AI is for organisations rather than individuals?  Can anyone shed any
light please.

thanks
Ros Lee

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