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!
Fantastic, interesting but ALSO very inspiring! I feel ready to do something differnently. I think training with an appreciative approach is more effective than the traditional ‘instructional’ approach. Right mix of doing and listening. Thanks Sue for your generous approach. I'll be using these insights and practical tools in various work for: evaluation, teaching, planning, negotiating with my colleagues.
It was good hearing about how AI can be utilised and gain a greater appreciation of the positive impact/difference it can make to a whole range of situations/applications. I'm now going to prepare/frame good AI questions, appreciate others’ perspectives and view of the world, acknowledge and validate and then build/facilitate co-created realities/aspirations and sense of future.
Thoroughly enjoyed the course! I know the residents where I work will like the gentle but strengthening exercises as a change from mainstream exercise videos and DVDs. I’ll practice myself so I can revitalise my chi and help myself to focus.
I found the workshop to be very informative and enjoyable. Very hands on which is a great way to learn and practice what we have been taught. I look forward to sharing my new skills with our residents.
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.
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.
The one on one discussion was sensational. It was good to go outside my comfort zone. It was well-paced, relaxed with plenty of breaks and would be of great value to a team environment. Sue is a very relaxed host who leads the process slowl in the desired direction. Easy to listen to, great flexibility offered - and Chris's Tai Chi element is always going to be a winner!
The best things were the interactive discussions, practical exercises and the openness and sharing from the facilitators. I would definitely recommend it to others. A great workshop, thanks Sue and Chris.
Loved the content and process – both the use of the cards and the Tai Chi as a way of exploring workplace issues and ourselves at a deeper level. The pace was good, the workbook and diary are very helpful. Sue and Chris, thank you for a great couple of days! I'd definitely recommend this workshop as a very valuable learning experience.
A great introduction to the work. Appreciate the facilitators’ energy, empathy and commitment. A very rich and stimulating workshop - food for the soul.
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!
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.
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 most helpful thing was putting relaxation strategies into the leadership context. It was relevant, relaxing, something refreshing - and unique. Most grateful for your time!!
The session was very positive and staff really enjoyed the opportunity to interact with others in a fun, social atmosphere while learning some useful strategies for managing stressful situations in the workplace.
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.
The best thing was learning how to deal with suppliers.
Your advice on including laughter in our daily business lives not only brought a smile to our faces but reinforced the importance of taking time out of our busy schedules to get the most out of ourselves.
Sue not only has the knowledge and skill base as a facilitator to assist companies in moving ahead - she also builds rapport very quickly which makes the insights relevant on a professional and personal level. Sue is a wonderful networker in the area of AI and therefore has the experience and a more global understanding of how companies can go from good to great!
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!
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.
We found that Chair Chi provides our residents with a chance of gentle exercise and relaxation which they look forward to on a regular basis. We notice they appear more relaxed after the session, more socially active as they chat amongst each other.
All levels were catered for – even the basic (us!) . Very clear instructions. All our unusual questions were answered. We felt very good afterwards and will continue to follow his 5 minute a day plan. Chris gave us a very good insight to Tai chi.
Chair Chi is a great success at St. John’s Park Hostel, with at least 10 residents participating per session. Our residents continue to talk about the sessions happily afterwards. Our residents have said that they are keen for this activity to continue as part of St. John’s leisure program, as they say they are more relaxed following the session.