Motivational interviewing (MI) helps navigate resistance by fostering a supportive and non-judgmental dialogue. Expressing empathy builds trust, making individuals feel heard and understood. Developing discrepancy gently highlights the contrast between their current situation and desired outcomes, sparking self-reflection. Supporting self-efficacy reinforces their confidence by reminding them of past successes and strengths. By guiding rather than directing, MI empowers individuals to take ownership of their decisions. Have you used MI techniques to encourage change? Share your insights and experiences.

It depends. Motivational interviewing can be an effective tool to illicit change through identifying intrinsic motivating factors which resonate with the employee. The most important part is the timing of the delivery of motivational interviewing. When an employee is still open to changing or open to engaging with the organization, motivational interviewing works phenomenally. Unfortunately, there are many times when managers out off dealing with poor performing employees because they dislike difficult conversations or do not feel like there is the time. The employee checks out completely and even motivational interviewing won’t work. It’s best if leaders consistently have conversations with employees about what drives their performance.

Yes, motivational interviewing can be helpful in that situation. By expressing empathy and using open-ended questions, active listening, and reflecting back what you are hearing, you can help your team member explore their feelings about the change and find their own motivation to embrace it. It creates a supportive environment where their self-efficacy is brought to the forefront and they feel understood and empowered to make positive changes.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to approach with curiosity knowing that the current behaviour is serving a purpose for the other person. If I explore with the other person the behaviour and with the optimism that change is possible, the other person may also start to see the changeable behaviour.

Yes, motivational interviewing (MI) can be very effective. By focusing on helping clients explore their own reasons for change, MI fosters a sense of ownership over the process. It works by engaging individuals in a non-confrontational, empathetic manner, which encourages them to articulate their own motivations for change. This makes it more likely that they will take action because it’s coming from within, rather than being externally imposed.