Dublin, Appreciative Inquiry, and the Power of Strength-Based Change
In May, our cohort kicked off the renewal of the International Appreciative Inquiry practicum in Dublin,Ireland. We consulted for Workhuman, Eaton, and Explorium on change initiatives. Dr. Ron Fry led the 19 of us split into four teams for a week that was as much about consulting and learning itself as it was about the material. We were grateful to also have Dr. Ellen Van Oosten and Ana Merdita (MPOD 14), as resources throughout our experience. Learn more about the MLOC experience and see pictures on the alumni website.
We also had the opportunity to connect with Vicki Nichoson (MPOD 8), who lives in Ireland and is a mentor to our own Anne Marie Tirpak. Vicki generously spent time with several classmates, sharing her work, leadership journey, and how she continues to lead change in her global consulting business.
Our week began with turning theory into practice in real time and watching our teams come together quickly.. Exploring Appreciative Inquiry methodology through the lens of our diverse client work was a meaningful and expansive learning experience that we are excited to continue to apply professionally.
Instead of starting from what's broken, we looked for each organization's positive core and built toward goals rooted in real aspirations for our clients.
Beyond the classroom, our cohort also made time for some fun together. We went on a walking tour of Dublin, visited the Jameson Distillery, visited the Guinness Brewery, and enjoyed the Book of Kells experience.
On the last day, we convened to share the insights we gained from our consulting experiences, offer one another feedback, and reflect collectively on what each of us had learned throughout the process. As meaningful as the client work was, it was the opportunity to learn alongside one another, challenge our perspectives, and deepen the relationships within our cohort that made the experience truly memorable. We returned home with not only new knowledge and skills, but also a greater appreciation for one another and the remarkable community we built together.
Christina Sanborn: “It was rewarding to work with real people in real situations and have a real impact in such a short time. I was able to take this experience back to my own firm and brief my HR team on what we did and learned and as I mentioned it has informed our Belonging strategic plan.”
William Stackler - “There is something magical about Ireland and experiencing it with my cohort (MLOC1) made it unforgettable. We were led in an Appreciative Inquiry practicum by what I can only describe as a master. Dr. Ron Fry’s wisdom and expertise made our learning tangible and deeply impactful.”
Kea Corbin- “It is hard to understate the impact of the incredible experience that was our MLOC1 practicum in Ireland. Our cohort was beyond thrilled to be together in person to support companies outside of our own under the brilliant tutelage of Dr. Fry was deeply impactful, both in cementing our learning to this point, and also in allowing us to delight in our time together, while making a bigger impact on the world. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
