Poetry. Women's Studies. This is Diana Whitney's debut book of poems—praised as a "saucily entitled and brilliant book...What a debut!" by Vermont Poet Laureate Sydney Lea, a debut with "a tremulous spirit full of...imaginative agitation" adds Major Jackson, and "one of the finest collections I've read in a very long time" says Laura Kasischke. We highly recommend this title for classes and individuals. Narrative, provocative, revealing: perhaps Plath, Sexton, Olds, Frost have combined.
DEAREST LUCY— When I first held you in my arms, I was Claire Davis, baby doctor. But soon I'll be "Mom." You looked at me with your dark, magical eyes—Johnny Winterhawk's eyes—and you instantly became the child of my heart. Your daddy's an incredible man, Lucy. Surely, like you, Johnny is one of God's perfect creatures. As a man, he's handsome, powerful, noble. As your father, well, there are none better. When he learned of you, he took you into his heart and home without reserve. I love him, Lucy, and I love you. And that's why I've agreed to marry him. And although he doesn't yet realize he loves me, too, soon he will…
Written by the two most recognized Appreciative Inquiry thought leaders A quick, accessible introduction to one of the most popular change methods today--proven effective in organizations ranging from Roadway Express and British Airways to the United Nations and the United States Navy Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a model of change management uniquely suited to the values, beliefs, and challenges of organizations today. AI is a process that emphasizes identifying and building on strengths, rather than focusing exclusively on fixing weaknesses as most other change processes do. As the stories in this book illustrate, it results in dramatic improvements in the triple bottom line: people, profits, and planet. AI has been used to significantly enhance customer satisfaction, cost competitiveness, revenues, profits, and employee engagement, retention, and morale, as well as organizations' abilities to meet the needs of society. This book is a concise introduction to Appreciative Inquiry. It provides a basic overview of the process and principles of AI along with exciting stories illustrating how organizations have applied AI and the benefits they have gained as a result. It has been specifically designed to be accessible to a wide audience so that it can be handed out in organizations where AI is either being contemplated or being implemented. Written by two of the key figures in the development of Appreciative Inquiry, this is the most authoritative guide available to a change method that systematically taps the potential of human beings to make themselves, their organizations, and their communities more adaptive and more effective.
Fabulous Fathers THE DADHis daughter was in love—with a dog! Richard Matthews had nothing against Rags, but the dog's owner, lovely C.J.Moray, was another matter. With a charming grin, she tempted him into very unfatherly thoughts…. THE DAMSEL C.J. saw Richard's struggle with fatherhood, and longed to help. But how? THE FAMILY Once Richard saw the joy that C.J. brought, he didn't want her to go. Could he convince the wary woman that the best things in life start with two—and go on to four? Fabulous Fathers Have more than enough to share!
Marriage—For Baby's Sake When Laura Michaels tracked her wayward cat to millionaire Royce Burton's estate, she never dreamed her kitty would save her son. For Laura needed a powerful husband to keep custody of her baby—and Royce needed a wife. So the elusive entrepreneur and the down-on-her-luck lady struck a marriage deal—which would remain strictly business, of course. Except the newlyweds soon found their "hands-off" union did not account for the blossoming feelings developing between them. But Royce had no use for sugary sentiment and gooey emotions! Still, the lovely woman's haunting smile triggered an unfamiliar emotion in Royce—a burgeoning love?
In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of one of the most popular change methods in the world, Cooperrider et al. track the recent changes in the field and explain how AI can contribute to sustainability and the triple bottom line. One of today's most popular change methods, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has been used to undertake transformational initiatives in dozens of organizations, ranging from McDonalds to the U.S. Navy to Save the Children. The assumption of AI is simple. Every organization has things that work right-things that give it life when it is vital, effective, and successful. AI begins by identifying this positive core and connecting organizational visions, plans, and structures to it in ways that heighten energy and inspire action for change. This book presents all of the concepts, examples, and aids necessary to engage groups of all sizes in Appreciative Inquiry. The authors provide background information on what AI is and how it works and offer sample project plans, designs, agendas, course outlines, interview guidelines, participant worksheets, a list of resources, and more. This second edition has been extensively revised, updated, and expanded, including new case studies, new tools and supplemental articles, an expanded bibliography and resource list, and an entirely new chapter on case applications. And throughout, the authors focus on how AI can support an organizational focus on sustainability and the triple bottom line of people, prosperity, and planet.
The Secret Chad Grayson was back in town. And his brooding, unexplained presence was disrupting the troubled peace Clarice Somerset had made with their disquieting past. Two years ago, the single mother thought her love had tamed Chad's wanderlust. She'd expected his granite strength to help shoulder the the cares of parenthood. But under the cover of night he'd roared off on his Harley leaving her behind. What dark secret had driven Chad away? What mysterious purpose had brought him back? If not her heart, what did he want from Clarice? And what under heaven was he hiding?
Where there's smoke… Darby Ridge, Oregon, had always been a welcome sanctuary for Janine Taylor, a refuge from a troubled past. But all that changed when fire swept through the isolated town, leaving fear and suspicion in its wake, and a mysterious stranger came to her door—a man who knew far more about that terrible tragedy than any stranger could…. Keeping a boardinghouse had long accustomed Janine to dealing with disturbing characters, but she had never had a guest like Quinn Coulliard. For there was in this dark, dangerous man a strange, compelling gentleness that could draw a wild raven to him at a whispered command and awaken Janine's long-buried passions with a single mesmerizing glance….
Dani is surprised to hear a baby crying next door?her neighbor, Colby, is just a coldhearted business owner. She thought he was single and wonders what he’s doing with a baby. Out of curiosity, she peeps through his door and sees a crying child and Colby at a loss. He says he doesn’t know what to do with the baby his sister suddenly dropped off. Unable to leave him alone, she offers help and starts taking care of the baby at his place. As time passes, she begins to see a warmer side to Colby…
As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever… In the midst of a blackout and flooded roads, cowboy Travis Stockwell delivers Peggy Saxon's two precious babies in the back of his cab. To Travis's own surprise, the determined single mother's desire to provide a better life for her children restores his belief in family. Travis becomes determined to do what's best for Peggy and the twins even as he falls in love with them. But what if the best thing for them is the stable life he can't provide? Now the footloose cowboy has to make a choice—one that could change his life forever. Book 3 of the 36 Hours series. Don't miss Book 4: A woman has visions of murder—but who will believe her in For Her Eyes Only by New York Times bestselling author Sharon Sala.
36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. Ooh, Baby, Baby Part 1 A town is in chaos… A woman is in labor… Help is nowhere in sight… In the back of a cab, in the midst of a disaster, Travis Stockwell delivers two precious babies. And for a brief moment his belief in family ties is restored, thanks to Peggy Saxon and the two fragile lives he brought into the world. After a disastrous marriage, getting involved with anyone is not in Peggy's life plan. Things aren't easy as a single mom, but her babies need stability, and that's not something she can expect from a taxi-driving cowboy. But, like natural disasters, babies have a way of changing things. Maybe it's time for her to accept a strong helping hand from the cowboy who came to her rescue that night. The story continues in Ooh Baby, Baby Parts 2 and 3.
36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. Ooh, Baby, Baby Part 2 In the middle of the raging storm the power goes out, mud washes onto the roads…and Peggy Saxon gives birth to twins in the back of Travis Stockwell's cab. Peggy's been handling things on her own since the end of her disastrous marriage. But she has to admit—things are a lot nicer with Travis around. She could get used to the feeling, if only she knew that it would last… Travis can't seem to stay away from the Saxon family. Those beautiful babies—and their mother—deserve the best of everything. But what if the best for them is the stable life he can't provide? The story concludes in Ooh Baby, Baby Part 3.
NEW EDITION, REVISED AND UPDATEDThoroughly revised and updated new edition of the bestselling guide to implementing the popular change methodology, Appreciative Inquiry, in organizations of all sizes and sectors. 20,000 of the 1st edition sold.
36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever….Ooh, Baby, Baby Part 3 Peggy's been strong so far, but there are some things even she can't handle on her own. Fighting to protect her new family from her ex, confused by Travis's disappearance and now postnatal complications—it's tough to hold on. Travis is determined to do what's best for Peggy and the twins he helped bring into the world—even if it means staying away. It seems the effects of the storm that blew into Grand Springs that night will be felt long after the rains have stopped. Don't miss the next book in the series, For Her Eyes Only by Sharon Sala.
Advance Praise for Appreciative Leadership: "A must-read for leaders at all levels who believe that both common sense and business sense require engaging and encouraging rather than mandating or manipulating. It may become my most-recommended book." -- Frank Rogers-Witte, Ph.D., Director, Executive Staff Effectiveness, Hewlett-Packard IPG "Building on a simple but powerful idea, Appreciative Leadership offers an approach to organizational transformation applicable to institutions as varied as businesses, universities, church bodies, and health systems. Packed with dozens of stories andsuggestions, it offers key insights translated into replicable strategies for action." -- Jane McAuliffe, Ph.D., President, Bryn Mawr College "The positive basis of power is illuminated brilliantly in this courageous leadership book. Appreciative Leadership touches the heart of leadership--the kind people most deeply desire--in a way that will change lives, businesses, and every relationship you wish to build." -- David L. Cooperrider, Ph.D., Professor of Social Entrepreneurship, Case Western Reserve University "Leadership driven by principles and integrity is more important today than ever. Appreciative Leadership shows how to blend principles of collaboration, quality, and service for both long-term achievement and practical daily impact. It provides amodel of success for a new generation of leaders." -- R. Edward Howell, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, University of Virginia Medical Center The Positive Approach to Leadership That Brings Out the Best in Everyone Appreciative Inquiry has become one ofthe most popular new management tools in business today. Its premise is simple yet profound: Instead of focusing on what's wrong in the workplace, learn about and build upon what works. Dr. Diana Whitney--a leader in the field of Appreciative Inquiry--and colleagues Amanda Trosten-Bloom and Kae Rader bring the next generation of these ideas forward, with practical and proven tools for leadership. Arefreshingly different approach to managing organizations, Appreciative Leadership turns conventional management thinking on its head, demonstrating how to get results with "positive power." All you need are the five "I's" . . . INQUIRY: Leading with positively powerful questions. ILLUMINATION: Bringing out the best in people and situations. INCLUSION: Engaging with others to cocreate the future. INSPIRATION: Awakening the creative spirit. INTEGRITY: Making choices for the good of the whole. This revolutionary approach brings people together, drives companies forward--and takes your leadership skills to a whole new level. Appreciative Leadership shows you how to fully engage your team through positive inquiry and open dialogue--so that everyone feels included and valued, inspired and motivated . . . and ready to work together to win. In this user-friendly guide, you'll discover excitingnew techniques to open up discussions, exchange ideas, agree on a plan, and follow up on your goals. You'll learn simple tips on how to keep your team on track with a can-doattitude. And you'll find satisfying new ways to be engaged, passionate, and present. This book isn't a quick-fix solution to your management problems. It's a full-time, lifelong commitment to your values, your vision, and your connection to others. This is how the best leaders in the world bring out thebest in people, their organizations, and themselves. This is Appreciative Leadership.
Appreciative Team Building: Positive Questions to Bring Out the Best of Your Team provides your team with everything it needs to discover the keys to past successes and future possibilities. Learn how to enhance your team's performance by igniting engaging conversations. Providing 48 positive questions, sample interview guides, and a step-by-step process for self-managed inquiry, Appreciative Team Building breaks new ground in the development of high performance teams. Choose positive questions on any one of eight topics that are pivotal to high performance and team development: Clear and shared goals Clear and shared roles and responsibilities Supportive and empowering relationships Clear and shared procedures Nurturing and challenging leadership Evolving energy and spirit Productivity and performance Complete, purposeful and uplifting communication Then follow a step-by-step self-managed appreciative inquiry process that guides your team-your unique collection of relationships-towards its highest potential. Hear what people are saying about Appreciative Team Building: "This book is full of provocative and positive questions that will develop and enhance your team's performance, yielding faster and better results." -Julie Meiresonne Director, Customer Relations Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Division, Broomfield, CO "Take time to savor every page of this book. The questions are free and intentionally different. They draw you in, transforming how you and others work together on a day-to-day basis. It is a meaningful contribution to the field. Grab it." -Jane Galloway Seiling Senior Editor, Focus Book Series, The Taos Institute Consultant and Author, The Membership Organization and The Meaning and Role of Organizational Advocacy
Every organization has something that works right-things that give it life when it is vital, effective, and successful. Appreciative Inquiry begins by identifying this positive core and connecting organizational visions, plans, and structures to it in ways that heighten energy and inspire action for change. The Appreciative Inquiry Handbook contains everything needed to launch any kind of AI initiative offering a wealth of practical materials-project plans, interview guides, topic samples, case clippings, worksheets, overheads and more.
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.