Our residents are enjoying their new Chair Chi sessions and are very enthusiastic - they look forward to exercises on a Thursday and are seen performing some of the skills when walking up the corridor! Gives variety to aged care exercise program.
The workshop ‘worked’ for me as it’s left me feeling like I want to know and do more. I understand this means some self-study but I would love the opportunity to reflect on what I’ve learned, access some of the resources, then come back for another few days focusing on ‘being’ a practitioner of Appreciative Inquiry. Then to keep the learning going by having experienced practitioner workshops to share our stories, build our strengths etc. Thanks for creating the program and for giving of your time, energy and multiple intelligences!
This workshop was, by far, one of the most inspirational, thoughtful, action-provoking workshops I have attended for many years - and I've attended many! Two days were not enough - we could have spent the whole week working on the many aspects that were obviously not covered in the timeframe allowed! As a Community Development Trainer and Facilitator, I have been an AI convert for many years and utilise it in professional development workshops that I deliver throughout Australia and for framing generative questions. But this particular course by Sue and Chris gave me a deeper meaning and understanding of AI as a way of viewing my work, family, colleagues and life through a thoroughly more appreciative lens! I cannot recommend the Essence of Appreciative Inquiry highly enough and I'm sure if I did the 2 days again, I would gain bucket-loads more from each workshop!
Really enjoyed the shared wisdom of the group. The handout & references are great to support further learning. Succinct, clear information. Plenty of time to discuss and share. Thank you for a great two days. It was a great overview into AI. Warm, friendly and welcoming.
I appreciated the interesting differences you brought to the process as co-facilitators. The balance between levity and ‘seriosity’ made the day pass pretty quickly. I think you’re offering a nice easing into AI – many thanks for your generosity … live long and prosper!
What did I find valuable? The cards – great reference in future. The activities - having a go at constructing questions and sharing stories. The videos as a break in activity. Sue’s explanations – very clear. Enjoyed having a chance to converse with others in the workshop. Food – great!
Very informative, well presented. Learnt a lot. Really like the framework – feel it provides a great approach to empower people to work to bring out & develop the best in themselves and in their organisations. You could not consult/teach AI without walking the talk. Most definitely would recommend!
Really enjoyed today, particularly valuable for me was your explanation of “provocative propositions”. Best ever! Great to have a practitioner speaking of real experiences. Thank you for a great day. I'd recommend this workshop for anybody who is interested in organisational development, working with community or themselves. Great introduction.
Thank you for an informative workshop. I loved the powerpoint slides supporting the cards. The exercises were just enough and very effective/challenging. I feel very lucky attending a ‘masterclass’. The cards are fabulous – big, colourful and informative. Thank you Sue and Chris – your personal stories and examples were the epitome of the philosophy of AI in action – being lived.
It was great how everyone, even the instructors got involved. Thumbs up! Participation is a great way of learning and this workshop was all about participation.
Fantastic learning session. Thanks for taking us through each step/move of the actions involved in Chair Chi. Appreciated the ability to be able to ask questions and bring up scenarios based on our facilities. Enjoyed the networking part of the day too! Really appreciate the book as a point of reference for practicing in the future!
Very helpful in improving my skills - and helping the aged remain flexible and participate in group activities. (It's) a good way to improve circulation and co-ordination.
Our residents are enjoying their new Chair Chi sessions and are very enthusiastic - they look forward to exercises on a Thursday and are seen performing some of the skills when walking up the corridor! Gives variety to aged care exercise program.
The best thing about the Essence of Appreciative Inquiry workshop was experiencing AI as a way of integrating the concepts prior to embedding it into my practice. I am an experiential learner and had a very helpful learning experience. I found it a very engaging way of working with the concepts of AI. Program is well designed for maximum engagement.
Thank you for a great couple of days. I can only say positive things about the training but recognise that it really is an extension of the work I am already doing. For those that are new to the concept, I felt the training gave a very good foundation to understanding the principles etc and did this in a very gentle way.
Sue's facilitation style was encouraging, engaging and validating. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on recent events in my life, reframe/re-vision the future and reconnect with purpose. I will use it in my practice with others. Enjoyed Chris's comments, exercises and teachings.
The workshop modelled appreciation and affirmation. The spirit of AI (together with the principles, assumptions and framework) was present throughout. The diversity of approaches was helpful. I enjoyed being a recipient of Chris’s and Sue’s generosity. Thank you.
Sue used Appreciative Inquiry methods to draw out ideas for the project from a broad stakeholder group. The shared conversation techniques Sue adopted, the open communication and design ideas that came out of the session were a great success. I have found her to be an enthusiastic and professional facilitator who is able to draw out ideas and establish open and positive communication between stakeholders. I look forward to working with Sue in the facilitation of our future design projects.
I would like to thank you for facilitating the HACC Business Planning Day. There was a great deal of positive feedback about the proceedings and how well you kept things “on Track” which assisted us to achieve more on the day.
A number of club members approached me after the meeting and expressed their appreciation. They indicated that the presentation was both personally beneficial, and beneficial to the club. This is an ideal combination to make our meetings enjoyable and encourage attendance. Thank you for the time taken.
Thank you so much, Sue and Chris. Your gracious facilitation and your sensitivity to us has enabled our spirits to look and see beyond our own horizons!
The most helpful thing was putting relaxation strategies into the leadership context. It was relevant, relaxing, something refreshing - and unique. Most grateful for your time!!
Chris and Sue presented a very well prepared, fun and energising session on a targeted activity developing a Peer Review Performance Model for our college. Their preparedness to listen to our needs in the lead up communication before the activity ensured that the material was relevant and practical. Their work has allowed us to begin our new format with confidence.
The best thing about these sessions was the way you both combined your talents and messages. It tapped into deeper dimensions than many other [professional development sessions] I've attended.
Colleagues shared experiences, refocussed negative energy and explored leadership qualities. It was fun, challenging and informative ... The interaction created was a great way to set the context of the Program at the start and a great way to finish off.
The best thing was learning how to deal with suppliers.
It was really motivational through the storytelling. And the practical and simple Tai Chi techniques were amazing - I really felt the difference. I came away feeling much more positive and freer of mind. I felt like I'd lost my inhibitions and it had opened my mind. It gave me a buzz!
New way of thinking, a different perspective on problem solving in everyday life.
This was a very worthwhile session - well presented, thoughtful and inspiring content and professionally hosted. Really appreciated the combination of 'more than talk' and the Tai Chi activities. Many thanks!
Thank you for your session with us. Very positive comments from all the staff. It was very relaxing - nice to do a shared PL [Professional Learning]. The power of collegiate activities is amazing. Great to do something different for health and stress release. It was terrific and so many staff members said how they slept soundly that night.
At our recent Diversional Therapist network meeting Chair Chi was the first of the three major improvements we noticed. Residents happy to attend when they know it's Chair Chi. They can feel the benefit afterwards.
I loved the one session I had!
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. The residents and staff thoroughly enjoyed your delivery of Chair Chi and would love to have you back again. Your attitude towards the residents was impressive and you interacted with them brilliantly, they responded and participated well and definitely benefited from you. Once again thank you Chris and I will certainly recommend you to other facilities.