Using appreciative intelligence for ice‐breaking: A new design

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of applying appreciative intelligence and appreciative inquiry concepts to design a possibly new model of ice‐breaking, which is strengths‐based and very often used in any training in general and team building training in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

The design has evolved from the authors' study and practice of appreciative intelligence and appreciative inquiry in their consulting and facilitation work.

Findings

A new ice‐breaking design is proposed which is built on a strengths‐based generative model of appreciative intelligence and appreciative inquiry. The new design infuses creativity and positive envisioning into the context of team‐building intervention. The appreciatively intelligent ice‐breaking design engages the team energy in an inspiring manner, channeling the team deliberations and working with a focused positive agenda founded in generative capabilities. Arguments are offered in terms of how the proposed new design is different and advantageous over the traditional ice‐breaking model.

Originality/value

This paper presents a value‐seeking and value‐adding design of an ice‐breaking exercise in the context of a team building intervention. Practical implications of this new design for both OD practitioners/trainers and academic educators are discussed.

Citation

Verma, N. and Anand Pathak, A. (2011), "Using appreciative intelligence for ice‐breaking: A new design", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 276-285. https://doi.org/10.1108/13665621111128682