Motivation through Innovation | Origin: LS105R
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Your Leadership Toolkit --> Motivation through Innovation
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Comment on Bethany Friedlander's post:
Ha — same here! It's amazing how much a better question can unlock. "What went wrong?" and "What's working?" point at the same situation but generate completely different conversations. Asking better questions might be one of the most underrated leadership skills there is.
With Benevolence, Shannon
Comment on Joslyn Molina's post:
Exactly. The framing of the question shapes the entire conversation. "What went wrong?" puts people on the defensive, while "What's working and how do we build on it?" opens the door to creativity and real ownership. Negativity drains energy; possibility expands it. Thanks for naming that contrast so well.
With Benevolence, Shannon
This module reframed how I think about motivating teams. The connection between innovation, ownership, and motivation was especially striking — when people help generate an idea, they naturally work harder to bring it to life. I also appreciated the concept of appreciative inquiry and the Four D's (Discovery, Dream, Design, Destiny). Too often in education, we spend our energy on what's broken instead of amplifying what's working. Shifting a question from "What are we doing wrong?" to "What is working that we can expand on?" changes the entire energy of a room. Going forward, I want to be more intentional about setting the stage for innovation at the Early College Center — managing limiting mindsets, choosing affirmative topics, and making my support for new ideas visible so others feel safe contributing theirs.
With Benevolence, Shannon
Simply re-framing the question will help drive appreciative inquiry. This was enlightening!
Appreciative inquiry is a positive approach to problem-solving and working with the team for a desired outcome.
I was aware of what appreciative inquiry was, but I was not aware this was the term for it. I plan to more of this into my writing reflection prompts and discussion questions for students.
I use the Appreciative Advising model with students, I didn't think to use it in my leadership role as well. Great perspective.
Yes, I think this would work for me as an instructor also appreciative inquiry.
Appreciative inquiry is a better approach for people to share their ideas and dreams. Whereas, asking others what went wrong wouldn't provide that same platform. Focusing on the negative can more likely keep motivation low, but being able to expand on others designs and dreams can expand on innovation.
Going over expectations that are not being met should not occur continually. Leaders mush have a way to break this cycle so the infections of the person does not spread to others.
This section definitely presents new ways of thinking about challenges and supporting the development of positive outcomes through a more positive approach. With that being said, I can also see some very big (not to sound negative here) impracticalities with focusing our approaches on the students that are succeeding well in their programs of study versus addressing the needs of the "20-percenters."
Appreciative inquiry gives people a chance to be heard. It can generate opportunities for people to dream and share their dreams.
Being able to come up with new ideas of tackling problems and improving processes is an absolute necessity in every line of work, but especially in education. Things are changing daily, and often times, a simple switch in the way a process is done or eliminating a form or meeting can help streamline and improve things. It's just a matter of thinking in new ways.
I learned that a leader could foster innovation by setting the stage by making sure the environment supports innovation.
It is important to rephrase words that have a negative connotation. By using appreciative inquiry, people can focus on what is working well. This can enhance motivation for the team.
Appreciative inquiry will help reframe how we think of something and give it an opportunity for a makeover. It can help provide encouragement and opportunity for the innovative thinking that is needed, thus turning around the negative culture.
Appreciative inquiry fosters innovation and a sense of belonging in a team
I'll agree with many of my colleagues here. Appreciative Inquiry provides a reasonable approach to altering a negative culture.
The steps of Appreciative Inquiry. Make the team feel comfortable through a positive environment. Focus on what is working well and continue to make those investments.
