Appreciative Interviews
A structured paired interview process from Appreciative Inquiry where participants interview each other about peak experiences and what they value most. Unlike problem-focused discussion openers, appreciative interviews generate positive energy, build connection, and surface the conditions that produce excellence — making them powerful as workshop openers or community-building exercises.
How to run it
- 1
Prepare 3–4 open interview questions focused on peak experiences and strengths: 'Tell me about a time you felt most alive and engaged at work. What made it so? What were you contributing?'
- 2
Pair participants. Person A interviews Person B for 7–10 minutes, listening deeply and taking brief notes on what stands out.
- 3
Switch. Person B interviews Person A.
- 4
Each person shares one key story or insight from their partner with the larger group.
- 5
Harvest themes: what do the stories reveal about what makes us thrive? What conditions were present?
Tips
Listening without interruption is essential — resist the coaching reflex to ask follow-up questions.
The interviewer's job is to draw out the story and note the life-giving factors.
Stories, not opinions, are the unit of data.
Variations
Use as the 'Discover' phase of a full Appreciative Inquiry cycle. Run 'appreciative exit interviews' to capture what made people's best work possible before they leave the organisation.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Appreciative Interviews?▾
Use Appreciative Interviews when you want to: Workshop openings; Community building; Team culture exploration; Change management kick-offs.
How long does Appreciative Interviews take?▾
Appreciative Interviews typically takes 20–40 minutes.
How many participants does Appreciative Interviews work for?▾
Appreciative Interviews works best for groups of 4–100 participants.
What materials do I need for Appreciative Interviews?▾
To run Appreciative Interviews you will need: interview guide with 3–4 questions.
How difficult is Appreciative Interviews to facilitate?▾
Appreciative Interviews is rated beginner — straightforward to facilitate even without prior experience.
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