Which action is crucial to the 'Discover' phase in Appreciative Inquiry?

In the 'Discover' phase of Appreciative Inquiry, exploring past successes plays a critical role. This phase focuses on identifying what has worked well in the past within an organization or group. By reflecting on these successes, participants can recognize and appreciate strengths, best practices, and positive experiences. This process fosters an affirmative focus, setting a tone that celebrates achievements and encourages contributors to build on existing strengths.

When individuals share stories of success, it promotes deeper engagement and helps to create a collective narrative that fuels enthusiasm and hope for future possibilities. This approach not only uncovers valuable insights but also inspires a sense of collective identity and motivation among participants. Hence, focusing on past successes is foundational to creating a positive framework for subsequent phases, where visions and objectives can be developed based on the strengths and possibilities revealed during this exploration.