Julie DeSot

Paper and Presentation: Change Management – Moving from Problem Solving to Appreciative Inquiry

Abstract: Why is change so painful? Often the focus for the need for change is based on fixing weaknesses, problems, or issues. This starts the change process off on a negative note. Using Appreciative Inquiry (AI), there is a shift from a problem-solving approach to change management to positive change management. AI emphasizes inquiry into strengths and systematically taps into human potential. In turn, organizations, communities, and individuals become more effective. With AI, change begins with the discovery and analysis of the positive core, or root cause of success, and centering on the organization as a mystery to be embraced rather than a problem to be solved.

PMI Talent Triangle: Leadership

Biography: Dr. Julie DeSot, PMP, PMI-ACP, is a Professional Development and Project Management coach, instructor, and consultant, with over 20 years experience. Dr. DeSot has been a project manager supporting the General Services Administration (GSA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), US Marine Corps, and US Navy, as well as many public organizations. Dr. DeSot received her Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification in 2004 and her PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP®) in 2015; ITIL v3 Foundations 2011, and Six Sigma Champion and Six Sigma Lean Black Belt in 2016. She holds dual Master’s Degrees from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in Business Administration and Project Management; and received her Doctorate in Management in 2010. Dr. Julie DeSot resides in Leesburg, VA.