One of the participants of my workshop earlier this week talked about an experience she had. Her story left the other participants (and me) in awe. Beyond brilliantly demonstrating the three components of appreciative intelligence, it was an amazing lesson in solving business and social problems in one fell swoop, courage and the ability to look past stereotypes.

Years ago Loretta was the property manager for a large office building in Washington, DC. She noticed that a homeless man had begun hanging around the entrance to the building. She also noticed that he picked up any trash that littered the sidewalk and area near the door. One day, she asked if he would like a job helping to clean the office building, a position that isn't always easy to fill. He accepted and still works there a decade later.

She reframed a homeless man as a valuable worker. She appreciated his proven care for the premises. She envisioned that by offering him a job, she would have an employee whom she needed and provide the employment he needed.