Originally sent on March 14, 2023

Photo credit: Javardh on Unsplash.

Hi Barb,

Last week, my friends at RestUP and I met with leaders of an organization that serves people with a debilitating chronic illness. 

The organization had received a grant and wondered how we might help them help caregivers get more rest.

After asking the usual questions about their goals and challenges, I asked, “If you were ten times bolder, what would you do?”

The leaders got quiet. Then their eyes lit up and they described how they might...

... provide camps for children in families affected by the illness;

... pay visiting caregivers a living wage and train them well, so there would be enough qualified caregivers to keep clients in their homes;

... make up for lost income when family members must quit their jobs to care for their loved ones;

... measure the savings and benefits realized by caring for people at home instead of in institutions, to make the case for policy changes;

... help family members not only survive the extremely demanding caregiving role but also grow as persons.

In short, they dreamed of transforming the culture around caregiving and benefitting all people with chronic illnesses, their families and society as a whole.

Now, even though the conditions of the grant won’t fund any of the above, notice how one appreciative question got these leaders thinking about they might take first steps toward a better future. 

I’m excited to see where this will lead them!

And what about you? If you were ten times bolder, what would YOU do? Reply and tell me – I’d love to hear about your dreams for a better future!

Warmly,

Barb Bickford

P.S.  Need robust questions to use in your meetings? Schedule a meeting with me and we can brainstorm some!  
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Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy Using Appreciative Questions

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RestUP workshops

Do you know of a group of people who need more rest? (Who doesn't!)  Schedule a RestUP workshop to learn about the seven types of rest and how you can get just a little more rest. If interested, contact RestUP at restupforyou@gmail.com.

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Use appreciative questions to inspire your group

Have you heard of the acronym "SWOT" (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)? Organizations often use a "SWOT analysis" when doing strategic planning.

There are times when it's prudent to look at weaknesses and threats.  But whenever possible, I prefer to use the SOAR process – short for “strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results” -- because it's positive and it really energizes groups.

Getting excited about the possibilities leads groups to focus on ways to implement their bold ideas, instead of leaving a meeting feeling discouraged about threats.

Here are some examples of SOAR questions one might ask:

Strengths:  What are our greatest assets? What are we proud of?

Opportunities: What are possible new markets, products, services or processes we might develop?  Who else would be interested in what we do?

Aspirations: How can we make a difference for our organization and those we serve?  What do we care deeply about?

Results: What measurable indicators do we want and when should they be achieved?  What rewards would support those who help us achieve our goals?

To learn more about SOAR, go to this website.  Better yet, try SOARing at your next planning meeting!

Want more tips? Access Ten Tips to Foster Online Engagement.

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