A Volley from the Canon, #86

A Volley from the Canon, Number 86

APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

As a dog-lover, I’ve been interested in training techniques for a long time. I remember when choke collars, physical correction, and much scolding were considered essential parts of dog training, which focused largely on what the trainer wanted the animal NOT to do. Negative reinforcement techniques do actually work to eliminate unwanted behaviors. More recently, however, trainers have begun to teach animals what they DO want them to do, instead, working with the creature’s own interests and desire to gain. That works, too, but it has an added advantage: whereas negative reinforcement accomplishes a goal at the expense of the trainer’s relationship with the animal, positive reinforcement accomplishes the same goal and also builds the relationship.
Humans are much more complicated (?), but the same holds true for us. When we are criticized, and when corrections are harsh enough to overcome our resisting reactions, and when we can’t get away, we do tend to conform to the behavior the one in power is attempting to force upon us. We’ll still act out negatively when we think we can get away with it, though. Alternatively, when we receive encouragement and positive reinforcement for good or desired behavior, we will go all out to produce more of that behavior in order to receive more praise. Consequently, we have less time and inclination to engage in less desirable behaviors, to the point that often, they will cease altogether. This principle is actually borne out in behavioral studies.
With which adviser will we have the stronger and more productive relationship?
Appreciative Inquiry is a method of evaluating the effectiveness of group and individual efforts by concentrating on doing more and better that which is already working. It does not mean that we cannot acknowledge weaker areas or growing edges. It just means that criticism and judgment will not be the focus of our conversation.
The result is that a Mutual Ministry Review, using Appreciative Inquiry methods, can be an opportunity for positive growth and encouragement, contributing to a stronger working relationship among clergy and lay ministers in a congregation. It can be something to look forward to and lead to celebration, rather than being a dreaded and anxiety-producing task akin to being sent to the principal’s office in school. Vestry, Wardens, and Clergy all come out with a clearer vision of what their goals and purposes are in a congregation, and how they can accomplish those things more effectively and more collegially. Most of all, it emphasizes that all of our works, and all of our responsibilities, are shared together. We have “many gifts—but the same Spirit working in us.”