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!
I valued finding out more about the theory behind AI, having a chance to have a go, the pace and the Tai Chi energisers. I learned lots. Specifically the principles and the way they link/underpin the approach, the 5D Cycle and the importance of preparation and purpose in setting up protocols.
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.
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.
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!
Very enjoyable and interesting. Learned valuable points to incorporate into exercise sessions. Instructions were easy to follow and therefore made for a great day. I definitely recommend it – everyone should get the opportunity to have the experience.
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.
Enjoyed the day – thank you. You made it very easy to learn with the experiential training. Very applicable for my position.
I liked very much the Chair Chi program. I learned very useful techniques to improve the route of my exercise class. I think Chair Chi is one of the most helpful to elderly and disabled people. I am going to put in practice what I learned today. Very important to apply in a nursing home. Even for all kinds of persons. Thank very much!
Loved it. Affirming. Gave me more ideas than I anticipated. I will blend AI more into what I do with Organisational Culture Change and individualised planning. I recommend this workshop - it's applicable across many theories and practices.
Workshop was a great opportunity to add more depth to my knowledge and working practice of AI. Really liked the opportunity to practice working on questions and would have liked more time looking at changing negative statements/questions etc into more positive strength-based questioning. Suitable for both novices and those with more experience. Tai Chi component was interesting addition and gave time to reflect.
The best thing about the Essence of Appreciative Inquiry workshop was a greater appreciation of the power of AI. The workbook is excellent – it provides a valuable resource. It has been a very worthwhile experience, most stimulating. I commend you and Chris on the way in which you presented the material and enabled us to have such a positive experience. Very well done.
It is interesting now for me to put into practice and the booklet, extra reading and activities will be very useful. I would recommend the workshop - now I understand the approach of a colleague I respect and will pass it on to others.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Staff enjoyed the practical and hands on approach that Sue & Chris used. It made staff reflect on their current practices and gave them things to consider for the future. One small thing that made a big difference was that they were able to deliver a presentation created around our needs at the time.
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!!
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.
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.
The best thing was learning how to deal with suppliers.
One thing I'll use straight away is focus on my business goals and put them on paper rather than leave them on a verbal basis. I'd highly recommend this workshop to others because many business owners are not aware about setting goals and more importantly looking at the values which are the main reason for the existence of their business.
The improvement in staff morale flows on to our client base by improving customer satisfaction. I feel any company considering these services would benefit greatly from the improvement achieved in multiple areas.
I found the Chair Chi to be a worthwhile class. At first I wasn't sure what it would be like, Chris showed us good strengthening exercises. It was also a good form of relaxation. Thanks.
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.
I loved the one session I had!
Residents are excited to come to Chair Chi and after a session feel relaxed and are smiling. Since it started the group is growing in numbers and they benefit from a session.