A foundation for positive mental imagery and self-talk for use in an appreciative manager model

The appreciative inquiry (AI) methodology provides a whole system (macro) approach for building success in organizations. Yet, to address a manager's need, the AI approach calls for a finer, narrower (micro) approach, often at a one-on-one level, within an organizational system. This research provides an appreciative manager model that utilizes an appreciative approach in addition to the use of imagery, self-talk, and positive thinking to provide a positive foundation as an underpinning for a manager's micro approach. Key concepts discussed for understanding the individual manager's performance include positive image-positive action (Srivastva & Cooperrider, 1999), appreciative executive action (Frost & Egri, 1999), and positive thinking and emotions (Fredrickson, 1998, 2001) as factors that foster a positive environment for appreciative management.; Although appreciative methods such as positive imagery and self-talk have not fully developed as a central concept in management thought, it can be argued that many organizational acts are based on some positive projection on the part of the individual manager, leader, or group. These concepts support the foundation for the appreciative manager model; they convey the appreciative nature of how managers execute interpersonal cognitive management activities. This contemporary AI model provides a micro approach to further the AI and positive thinking methodology.