Which phase of the Appreciative Inquiry process focuses on envisioning an ideal future?

The phase that focuses on envisioning an ideal future in the Appreciative Inquiry process is Dream. This stage is all about imagining what the future could look like if all the best elements of the present were amplified and built upon. During the Dream phase, participants are encouraged to share their aspirations and create a compelling vision of what they hope to achieve. This involves storytelling and creative thinking to foster an ideal environment, setting the foundation for the subsequent Design phase, where the actionable plans for realizing this vision are created.

In contrast, the other phases serve different purposes. The Discover phase focuses on identifying what works well in the current situation, gathering positive core experiences to inform future growth. The Define phase involves clarifying the focus or purpose of the inquiry based on the insights gained during the Discover phase. Lastly, the Design phase is where participants formulate specific strategies and actions to achieve the envisioned future identified during the Dream phase. Understanding how each phase contributes to the overall process allows for a comprehensive approach to change and development.