Working collaboratively to think critically and solve complex problems is no easy task for humans—much of our environment and our experience work against it. No matter how schools, families, and organizations work to cultivate the skills involved, they are not easy to learn, retain, transfer, or apply to diverse situations. Leaders and groups learn to ask better questions, value divergent perspectives, seek outcomes that incorporate the best thinking of team members, and welcome reflections on the process and outcomes. You will experience a way of thinking about collaborative problem-solving in the form of a flexible approach that individuals and groups can use in many organizations and situations. It starts by improving the quality of group or team discussions and extends as high-quality collaboration and critical thinking become habitual.
Inquiry In Action is a leadership and organizational development program of the Great Books Foundation with a mission to build stronger, more innovative working and thinking communities and to equip leaders and other adults with the skills to generate positive change. Inquiry In Action offers customized learning opportunities in leadership development, community advancement, and organizational success.
Inquiry In Action enables leaders at every level to build more effective, more innovative, and stronger working groups to leverage collaboration for positive change. Inquiry In Action is a leadership and organizational development program that brings the renowned Shared Inquiry learning method to the practical problems of people and organizations. The mindset, principles, and practices that make up Inquiry In Action enable people to solve complex problems more effectively by working more collaboratively. Leaders and groups learn to ask better questions, value divergent perspectives, seek outcomes that incorporate the best thinking of team members, and welcome reflections on the process and results.
Inquiry In Action complements and enhances leadership efforts by strengthening foundational skills and articulating a flexible learning method. Leaders who can motivate people to learn and solve problems are more successful. Groups that collaborate effectively get better results. Organizations and individuals who use this approach and develop these fundamental habits become better. They drive positive change.
Leaders and participants learn and use specific practices, follow transferable principles, and gradually develop the mindset to tap into the power of curiosity, listening, and questioning and unlock the value of diverse viewpoints and civil discourse. This combination allows for positive change and delivers better results.
Curiosity + Collaboration = Impact
• Curiosity: the mindset and skills of the leader
» Seeking to understand
» Being open to multiple perspectives
» Posing effective questions
» Actively listening
• Collaboration: the ongoing practices of the group
» Valuing diverse viewpoints
» Establishing civil discourse
• Impact: the resulting positive change
» Delivering stronger outcomes
» Creating greater impact