The Positive Arc of Systemic Strengths' explores the important question: when 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. O Systemic action O Large group planning O Strengths revolution in management O Positive psychology

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

David Cooperrider-You forever changed my life for the better when you opened my eyes to how questions that look for the true, the good, the possible shape the world around us. I undertook the huge adventure of this dissertation for the chance to keep learning from you and I am so grateful every day for the incredible opportunities and changes you continue exposing me to in the world. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow alongside you. Martin Seligman-Your courage, tenacity and commitment to research to change the way we understand the best in human beings changes the world around me every day. I am so grateful for the learning opportunities I have had alongside you, for your ongoing support and encouragement, and for your passion for finding evidence-based approaches to helping people flourish. I look forward to continuing sharing your work around the world. Celeste Wilderom-Your thoughtful insights and challenges to continue making this dissertation robust and readable have been greatly appreciated. Thank you for the words of wisdom and encouragement. This is a much better thesis because of the time you have spent on it with me. To the researchers featured-I am incredibly grateful for the ongoing research of remarkable leaders in the fields of appreciative inquiry, social constructionism positive psychology, neuroscience and complexity science.