Appreciative intelligence defines a competence very similar to what Viktor Frankl taught us in his book The Man in Search of Meaning. It is the ability to identify the opportunity in the midst of adversity. It is being able to see the value of oneself and of the human being to activate it and make that light, the beacon that guides us in the midst of difficulties, challenges and complexities.

This concept emerged in 2006, following the publication of a paper entitled Appreciative Intelligence seeing the mighty oak in the acorn, by Professor Tojo Thatchenkery, of the University of Arlinton, United States. The approach, as such, is oriented above all to the world of work, to rise as a tool with which to favor innovation and a more resilient attitude with which to achieve success or simply, professional achievement.

In recent years, the so-called "black swans" have only increased their presence in each of our contexts. These elements defined by the philosopher Nassim Taleb as "unforeseen that threaten our stability", are increasingly common, feed uncertainty and put us to the test.

Everything we take for granted can change from one moment to another and, as we well know, we are not always prepared for it. The first step in facing any challenge is not to search for random strategies, or run away from what we believe we cannot control. The first step in dealing with problems and even taking advantage of them is to attend to our attitude.

She is the one who makes germinate the best of each one. Something like this is achieved precisely through appreciation, through that look that delves into the best of our being and that is capable of connecting with the most valuable of each.

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The three components of appreciative intelligence

Appreciative Intelligence is defined as a skill that in theory we all have or are able to apply at any given time. This type of construct was coined as we have indicated by Professor Tojo Thatchenkery in the early 2000s. He did it after an exhaustive investigation with which, trying to understand what these people and those companies that had achieved success in the market had in common. .

The components that build this type of intelligence or psychological competence are, according to this expert in processes of change and development, three:

• Focus on the present. It is basic and essential to have a well-tuned intuition to probe opportunities, to see in the midst of all the current complexity, what dimensions we should attend, take advantage of and enhance. No matter what happened in the past, the real opportunities are here and now and should be appreciated.
• Appreciate the positive of each situation. Appreciative intelligence does not feed on an illusionist or simplistic positivism. In reality, this vision does not discard or turn its gaze to difficulties or adversity; He takes them into account, accepts them and understands them. However, he knows that in order to get the best out of oneself, it is necessary to recognize his best virtue, his best worth and to make it his secret weapon, his trampoline.
• Visualize the future being realistic (but realizing hopeful goals). If we want to move forward, either as people or as a company, it is necessary to specify objectives. These purposes should be the engine of everyday life, they in which to place all our motivation, commitment and hope so that everything that has to come, helps us to progress.

"Apreativity" as a personal value

Since the concept of appreciative intelligence was coined at the beginning of the new millennium, new theories have been emerging that have been exploited from the area of business coaching. Thus, books such as Appreciativity, the value of appreciating the valuable or Appreciative intervention , above all, seek to empower organizations to renew, innovate and position themselves strongly in the market.

In this way, and beyond even the business and organizations, we should all make our own theory interesting, this dimension as therapeutic as well as interesting. Making use of it as a personal value will be of great help. Let's reflect on its simplest keys.

How to develop appreciative intelligence

• Appreciative intelligence is a deliberate act. What he seeks is that we connect emotionally with ourselves and our environments to awaken sleeping qualities, to strengthen self-esteem and self-confidence.
• It is to leave aside indifference or fear to recognize the value of each thing, of each person, of each lived experience and situation that surrounds us.
• We must accept the negative, the adverse and even the tragic, but without giving in to all this.