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!
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.
Great day of learning an alternative approach that can focus on a positive way of interacting and sharing in an informal way. I will be using some of what I've learned when in need of client input in services that we are providing, as well as with members of my team in times of planning and evaluating.
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.
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.
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!
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.
I liked the simple approach and chance to apply practically
… the location and set-up were good, with refreshments provided. The instructor, Chris, was excellent, with great knowledge of the clientèle, form and practice time. He was easy to learn from and always encouraging. The exercises are appropriate for residential aged care – both low and high care – and the workshop was good fun!
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.
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.
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!
The best thing was hearing examples of methods that have worked for you in the past. I enjoyed your care and thoughtfulness and reconnecting to Tai Chi again. Thank you.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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!
The best thing was learning how to deal with suppliers.
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.
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.
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 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.