Conversations That Transform Culture: Appreciative Inquiry (the other “AI”) at Work

What This Course Is About

Conversations That Transform Culture introduces Appreciative Inquiry (the other AI) and teaches you how to use it in:

• Everyday work conversations
• Feedback and performance discussions
• Strategic discussions and planning
• Group engagement and facilitation

This is a practical, research-informed that combines:

• Core tools from Conversations Worth Having
• Two of the most effective Appreciative Inquiry frameworks used in strategic conversations: S.O.A.R. and the 5D Cycle

The result? Conversations that create clarity, connection, and forward movement.

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for:

• Workplace leaders and managers
• HR, L&D, and OD professionals
• Facilitators, coaches, and consultants
• Anyone responsible for engaging groups or leading change

This will be especially helpful if you’re noticing:

• Conversations that feel stuck or repetitive
• Resistance or disengagement during change
• Feedback that lands poorly
• Strategic conversations that don’t translate into action

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Shift the Tone and Direction of Any Conversation
   Learn how to use appreciative questions and positive framing to move conversations from problem-focused to possibility-focused.

2. Give and Receive Feedback Appreciatively
   Develop feedback practices that strengthen trust, learning, and accountability rather than defensiveness.

4. Engage Groups Around What’s Working
   Use Appreciative Inquiry to surface strengths, successes, and shared purpose — even in complex or challenging situations.
5. Lead Strategic Conversations That Create Momentum
   Apply S.O.A.R. and the 5D Cycle to strategic planning, team alignment, and change initiatives.
   
6. Create Conditions Where Culture Can Flourish
   Design conversations that support well-being, engagement, and sustainable performance.

The Tools You’ll Use

Conversations Worth Having Practices

• Generative questions
• Positive framing
• Appreciative feedback
• Awareness of inner dialogue
• Shifting conversations intentionally

Strategic Appreciative Inquiry Tools

• S.O.A.R. (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results)
• The 5D Cycle (Define, Discover, Dream, Design, Deploy)

These tools are simple, flexible, and immediately applicable — no certification required.

How This Course Is Different

✔️ Not just theoretical, but immediately applicable in your workplace.

✔️ Evidence-informed.

✔️ Focused on conversations that actually move work forward.

Participants don’t just learn about Appreciative Inquiry — they practice it, apply it to real scenarios, and leave ready to use it immediately.

What Participants Say

“I want to use this every day in every conversation!” 

“Deb’s instruction is clear, concise and easy to follow. Her expertise shines through!”

Course Format (Public Registration)

This course is offered as a public, open‑registration program for leaders and professionals from a variety of organizations.

• Live, interactive sessions
• Small‑to‑medium group size to encourage participation
• Experiential learning with real‑world application
• Designed to be engaging, practical, and relevant across sectors

Participants will have opportunities to practice the tools, reflect on real workplace scenarios, and learn from others in the room.

Why Appreciative Inquiry Now?

We’re living in a time where fear and negativity can easily shape our conversion, decisions and cultures. Appreciative inquiry doesn’t ignore these realities. It offers a disciplined way to direct attention toward what’s working, what gives life and what’s possible, creating steadier conversations, stronger relationships, and more resilient organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for leaders, managers, HR and L&D professionals, facilitators, coaches, and anyone who leads conversations that shape culture, performance, or strategy. Participants come from a range of industries and roles, which adds richness to the learning.

Do I need prior experience with Appreciative Inquiry or Conversations Worth Having?

No prior experience is required. The course is intentionally designed to be accessible while still offering depth. If you’ve taken Conversations Worth Having before, this course will deepen and extend your practice. If you’re new, you’ll be guided step-by-step.

What is the time commitment?

The course includes 75 minutes per week of live, interactive learning over four weeks.

You’ll also be encouraged to practice the tools between sessions — not as extra homework, but directly in your real work conversations, meetings, and planning sessions. This means the learning integrates naturally into your existing workload rather than adding to it.

How is the course delivered?

The program is delivered live online in a supportive, engaging learning environment. Sessions are interactive and experiential, with opportunities to practice, reflect, and learn from others.

What is the investment?

The investment for the full four-week program is $395.

Participants receive a comprehensive set of practical tools, frameworks, and practices they can use immediately and return to again and again — making this a high-value investment for leaders who want lasting impact rather than one-time inspiration.

Will this help in real workplace situations?

Yes. Everything taught in this course is designed for real-world application. Participants consistently report greater clarity, stronger engagement, and more productive conversations in their day-to-day work.

Is this relevant across industries?

Absolutely. Appreciative Inquiry and the Conversations Worth Having practices focus on how people think, communicate, and collaborate — making them effective in virtually any organizational context.

What if I’m not sure this course is right for me?

If you’re responsible for leading conversations, shaping culture, or engaging others around change or strategy, this course will support you. If you still have questions, you’re welcome to reach out before registering.

Ready to Transform Your Conversations?

If you want conversations that:

• Build trust instead of tension
• Create clarity instead of confusion
• Generate momentum instead of resistance

This course is for you.

FEBRUARY 2026 COHORT DETAILS

Dates: February 3-24 (4 Tuesdays)
Time: 1:00-2:15 p.m. Pacific
Format: Live online, highly interactive
Price: $395 per person; includes 4 workbooks, emailed to you weekly
Team rates available

I also provide these workshops for teams in the workplace—onsite or online. Please reach out for specifics if you’d like to host one for your team.

Conversations shape culture. Let’s make them count.