Please respond to the posts in your own words
As a leader, I believe in centering positivity, growth, and the strengths of others. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and Appreciative Living resonate strongly with my leadership style because they emphasize focusing on what works, nurturing potential, and creating space for transformative change. Rather than approaching leadership from a deficit lens, I strive to adopt practices that highlight the positive core of individuals and organizations.
The leadership styles I draw on most closely for AI are transformational leadership and servant leadership. Transformational leadership allows me to inspire others by fostering a vision built on strengths and possibilities. For example, when working with students and colleagues, I aim to frame challenges as opportunities for creativity and growth. This reflects Mohn’s (n.d.) emphasis on AI’s goal of finding the “best in others” and using that as a foundation for organizational change. Servant leadership, on the other hand, aligns with Appreciative Living because it prioritizes empathy, listening, and empowerment. By appreciating others’ unique contributions, I can support them in ways that reinforce dignity and collaboration.
This mindset is essential in my role as a special education teacher working with students who have severe disabilities. Too often, education focuses on what students cannot do, but AI encourages me to shift that perspective intentionally. By appreciating even the smallest achievements, such as a student communicating a need independently or engaging in a new social interaction, I help students and families see growth as possible and meaningful. This focus on strengths builds confidence and inspires resilience, not just in students but also in the teams of educators and caregivers who support them.
Nanwani (2021) reminds us that leaders carry “essential items” on their journey, such as positivity, openness, and reflection (pp. 15–16). These values help me intentionally shift my automatic thinking when faced with difficulties. Instead of defaulting to negative assumptions, I practice reframing, asking myself what strengths exist in the situation and how I can help bring them forward. In this way, AI is not only a leadership tool but also a mindset of gratitude and openness.
By practicing Appreciative Inquiry and Appreciative Living, I work to build a culture that eliminates negative bias and celebrates what people and organizations already do well. This approach does not ignore challenges but instead empowers people to see themselves as capable of change and growth. Ultimately, leading with appreciation strengthens relationships, inspires resilience, and aligns with my broader goal of creating inclusive, hope-filled spaces for learning and service.
