Consider how you raise your own children.  You motivate them by stressing the positives --  their strengths and assets -- and how they can utilize them to lead full, productive and healthy lives.  You don’t focus first on the negatives – their deficits and needs.  It’s not smart psychology.

So why would running a successful organization be any different?

In this debut issue of TAP Tools, we present some practical applications of the principles of asset-based organizational capacity building.  While there is no manual or “how to” cookbook on applying asset- and strength-based ideas to develop resilient, successful organizations, there are some basic ingredients that go into the mix and lessons learned from the experience of others.

For the research-based principles themselves and characteristics of resilient individuals, communities and organizations, read our Arizona Health Futures 2003 issue brief, Resilience: Health in a New Key.  For lessons and advice from others trying to implement these ideas in their own organizations and communities, read on.

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