The Positive Arc of Systemic Strengths: How Appreciative Inquiry and Sustainable Designing Can Bring Out the Best in Human Systems

is it that the best in human systems comes out most naturally and easily— especially in collective action, planning and design initiatives encompassing regions and cities, extended enterprises, industries and UN-level world summits? By analysing the performance and impacts of six case studies of the ‘whole system in the room ’ Appreciative Inquiry design summit, this article provides a bird’s eye view of the opportunities, challenges and exciting new vistas opening up in this, the collaborative age—a time when systemic action and macromanagement skill are the primary leverage points for game-changing innovation, scalable solutions and industry leadership. While management innovation is rare, this article proposes that the tools are at hand for us to stand up, step up and scale up as we build a world where businesses can excel, people can thrive and nature can flourish. Systemic action Large group planning Strengths revolution in management Positive psychology Design thinking