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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
It was very informative, in a relaxed environment and still in a small group to feel comfortable. The instructions are given in a professional way and I like the way that all participants are “teaching” each other.
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.
Very interesting and helpful program, clearly explained and easy to understand and it was enjoyable to learn ... it would be beneficial for the residents
Excellent program. Found rehearsing the teaching aspect very helpful – you tend to learn from others. I feel I could now take this exercise program to our clients with confidence. Am looking forward to taking Level 2 ... I feel this is a program that anyone could do.
I feel more confident operating (with uncertainty) within the sometimes difficult environment of aligning competing and conflicting demands. I see better that perhaps these aren’t real concerns for me to focus on. I enjoyed the physical aspect of the two-day program and I also enjoyed hearing others’ stories. I recommend this workshop because it helps you to be more reflective on not only how you can assist others move forward, but on moving forwards yourself, personally and professionally. Thank you!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
I loved the one session I had!
On behalf of the residents of Gardenia and Willow, here at Bupa Donvale, we would like to say how much we enjoy having you visit with us and providing the great Tai Chi classes. Our residents tell us how much they enjoy your sessions and we the staff can see their keen interest and the benefit these classes bring to them. They love the fact that they can remain seated and that is of great benefit to our wheelchair bound residents.