Can We Develop Appreciative Intelligence?
Appreciative Intelligence allows us to recognize strengths and qualities in ourselves and in others. It also helps us to connect with the opportunities that present themselves.
What is Appreciative Intelligence?
The ability to connect with others is precious and essential for a more Conscious Living
“Sometimes the best things are right in front of you; it just takes some time to see them.”
~ Gladys Knight
Appreciation and gratitude are two of the most potent and useful psychological skills. Appreciative Intelligence allows us to recognize strengths and qualities in ourselves and in others. It also helps us to connect with the opportunities that surround us and with a mysterious light that, even if weak, will also shine on gray days.
Grateful and appreciative intelligence defines a skill. The attitude is similar to what was exposed by Viktor Frankl in his book “The Man in Search of a Meaning.” It is the ability to identify opportunities in the face of adversity. It can see the value of oneself and the human being to activate it and make that light the beacon that guides us through difficulties, challenges, and complexities.
This concept of Appreciative Intelligence appeared in 2006, after the publication of an article entitled Appreciative Intelligence seeing the mighty oak in the acorn, by professor Tojo Thatchenkery, from the University of Arlington, United States. The style is oriented to remain as another tool with which to promote innovation and a more resilient attitude to achieve personal success and professional fulfillment.
In recent years, the so-called ‘black swans’ [1] have only increased their presence in each of our contexts. Defined by the philosopher Nassim Nicholas Taleb as “unforeseen events that threaten our stability,” they are increasingly common, fuel uncertainty and test us.
Everything we take for granted can change from one moment to the next, and, as we know, we are not always prepared for it. The first step in facing any challenge is not to look for random strategies, nor to escape from what we think we cannot control. The first step in facing problems is to take advantage of them, to evaluate and change our perspective and our attitude.
It is an appreciative attitude that brings out the best in everyone. Every time something is achieved through appreciativeness, through a look that plunges into the best of our being, It helps us to connect with what is most valuable within us.
The Gears of the Human Brain
Appreciative intelligence is defined as a skill that, in theory, we all have or may apply at any time. This term was created, as we indicated, by professor Tojo Thatchenkery in the early 2000s. He did it after exhaustive research in which he tried to understand what the people and companies that were successful had in common.
There are three elements of appreciative intelligence or psychological competence, according to this specialist in processes of change and development are the following:
1. Focus on the present. It is necessary and essential to have a well-tuned intuition to search for opportunities, to see, amid all the current difficulty, which dimensions we should meet, which ones to take advantage of, and improve. It does not matter what happened in the earlier period; the real opportunities are here and now and must be appreciated.
2. I appreciate the positive of each situation. Appreciative intelligence is not nourished by delusional or simplistic positivism. In reality, this view does not discard or focus your gaze on difficulties or adversities; it takes them into consideration, accepts them, and understands them. However, you know that to get the best out of yourself, it is necessary to recognize what is your best virtue, your best value, and make this your secret weapon, your springboard.
3. Visualize the future by being realistic (but having hopeful goals). If we want to move forward, either as individuals or as a company, it is necessary to set goals. These purposes must be the engine of everyday life; in them, we will put all our motivation, commitment, and hope so that everything that comes will help us to progress.
“Appreciation” is a personal value.
Since the concept of appreciative intelligence was created at the beginning of the new millennium, new theories have continued to appear that have been used in business coaching.
Far beyond the corporate and organizational sphere, we should personally adopt the Appreciative Intelligence perspective, in all its beneficial dimension. Using it as a personal value will be of great help to us.
Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.
~ Ralph Marston
How to develop appreciative intelligence
Appreciative intelligence is a deliberate act. What it looks for is for us to connect emotionally with ourselves and our environment, and to awaken our dormant qualities, to strengthen self-esteem and self-confidence, and bring our sense of wholeness.
It is leaving aside our lives elements of indifference and fear, in order to recognize the value of each thing, each person, each experience and situation that surrounds us. With Appreciative Intelligence, we are able to soak the lessons into my inner core.
In order to do so, we need to accept the negative, the adverse, and even the tragic, but without surrendering to everything. It is almost like bear witnessing to life, without necessarily anchoring these feelings but acknowledging them. It is necessary to choose (appreciate) the opportunities presented and the positive that life can still give us.
In our daily lives, in our routine, there are many changes that we can make to change and invest more in our happiness and well-being. Only a conscious, mindful and appreciative look into all aspects of our life journey, can help us access these hidden treasures of Self-Realization.
Alejandro Dumas rightly said once: Life is so uncertain that it is necessary to enjoy any moment of happiness that we have, no matter how small. Knowing how to appreciate these flashes of emotion, potential, and opportunity that exist in our reality can make a difference in the quality, intensity, and deepness of our lives.
So, let us apply this interesting appreciative approach to life, and make it ours. The changes can be extraordinary.
[1] The black swan theory or theory of black swan events is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise. The phrase is based on an ancient aphorism that presumed black swans did not exist.
Click HERE to Connect with your Daily Horoscope on OMTimes!
You will also enjoy Humanity 2.0: The Unstoppability of Singularity
About the Author
Cathedral of the Soul intends to undertake the challenge of creating a multidimensional healing space that is dedicated to those who seek to enrich, enlighten, and heal themselves while serving and assisting in the healing of others. Cathedral of the Soul is one of the many spiritual outreaches of Humanity Healing International, a registered 501C3 nonprofit with Church status. https://cathedralofthesoul.org
Cathedral of the Soul is developing an Animal Ministry program. If you want to volunteer and help animals, join the Facebook groups @circleofprayersforanimals
Connect with Cathedral Of The Soul
