getting back to business

Back in the office after our annual meeting - so yes, I am alive. One of the things I try to do right away following the conference is hold debriefings for staff. It gives us a chance to figure out what we did right (and therefore, should keep doing) and where we can make some improvements. It always fascinates me how these discussions often fall on the side of how we can improve. Why is it so hard for us to see what we have done well?

I know I face this challenge in my own life. For instance, I received two papers back from my instructor on Tuesday night. The first thing I did - look at the grade, and then look for any comments that provide insight on what I can do to improve. I knew I was doing it as I was doing it.

So, how can we focus on the positive? I am very familiar with the appreciative inquiry process, so I realize there are techniques, ground rules, etc., that can be used and established to drive this process, but I wonder what it is that is inherent in our personalities that causes us to focus on what's wrong? Wouldn't we feel so much better about our work and our selves if we focused on everything that we've done right and looked at our shortcomings as opportunities for improvement?