The Gameful Mindset: Unlocking Creativity in Investigative Interviewing
. Mark A. Anderson
Nationally recognized interviewing trainer and speaker bringing scientifically validated Interview Training that maximizes the quantity and quality of truthful information obtained.
Because of my background and who I teach, these blogs are written for interviewing, investigations, inspection, and audit communities, but their applicability beyond those arenas should be evident.? That is especially true here. In this case we likely have a gameful mindset in recreational areas of life, but do we bring it and its underlying components into the interview room?? We should.? Let’s take a look at what that application would look like.
Investigative interviewing is both an art and a science. It requires sharp analytical skills, emotional intelligence, and, perhaps most importantly, creativity. One way to cultivate this creativity is through a gameful mindset—a way of approaching challenges like a game, where persistence, adaptability, and problem-solving are key. But how does this relate to real-world investigations? And how can it enhance evidence-based interviewing techniques? Let’s explore.
What is a Gameful Mindset?
A gameful mindset is about viewing challenges as opportunities, using resilience in the face of obstacles, and approaching problems with curiosity and strategy—just like in a game. Instead of being discouraged by difficulties, a gameful thinker asks, “How can I crack this challenge?” This perspective is particularly powerful in investigative interviewing, where creativity often makes the difference between uncovering critical information and hitting a dead end. There is nothing more challenging in investigations than the art of interviewing.
How Creativity Enhances Investigative Interviewing
Investigative interviews are rarely straightforward. Witnesses may be nervous or forgetful, subjects might be deceptive, and details can be obscured by emotions or time. A creative, gameful approach allows interviewers to adapt in real-time, developing innovative questioning techniques to expose the truth.
1. Viewing Challenges as Opportunities
Instead of seeing an uncooperative suspect as a roadblock, a gameful interviewer sees a challenge: How can I get them to open up? The solution may require strategic questioning, unexpected conversational shifts, or rapport-building tactics. The response isn’t to give up and walk away as I have observed in the field often.
?? Real-World Example: In the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing case, law enforcement faced a difficult task in interrogating the surviving suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. They had to balance legal limitations, ethical considerations, and psychological techniques to extract valuable intelligence. Investigators creatively used open-ended questioning and rapport-building rather than aggressive tactics, which ultimately helped piece together the details of the attack.
2. Embracing Failure as Learning
Just like gamers learn from failed attempts and adjust their strategies, investigators must recognize when an approach isn’t working and pivot accordingly. A gameful mindset fosters resilience—if a direct question doesn’t work, what alternative strategy could? Planning most certainly occurs prior to the interview which should facilitate strategizing during the interview to adjust and adapt accordingly.
?? Real-World Example: The 1993 World Trade Center bombing investigation revealed how a creative approach to interviewing could lead to critical breakthroughs. Investigators originally struggled to extract information from captured terrorist Ramzi Yousef. Rather than pressing aggressively, they shifted strategies, leveraging psychological pressure by discussing his co-conspirators' cooperation, leading him to reveal details that helped prevent future attacks.
3. Innovative Questioning Techniques & Evidence-Based Interviewing
Creativity in investigative interviewing isn’t about trickery; it’s about evidence-based methods. The Cognitive Interviewing Technique, for example, encourages witnesses to recall events in reverse order or from different perspectives—a creative yet scientifically-backed approach that enhances memory retrieval. We need to have a working knowledge of these techniques and their applicability to allow dissemination where necessary.
?? Real-World Example: In the case of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, investigators struggled to gather clear witness testimonies due to memory decay. Using Cognitive Interviewing, some witnesses were able to recall details they hadn’t previously mentioned, refining timelines and suspects’ descriptions.
4. Using Creativity to Build Rapport
A gameful mindset helps interviewers approach each subject uniquely. Whether dealing with a traumatized witness or a defensive suspect, creative rapport-building is key. We must seek to understand the individual we are engaging with, this understanding comes from good questions, strategic empathy, and quality rapport development.
?? Real-World Example: In the famous Chris Watts case (2018), FBI agents used a calm, conversational approach rather than aggressive interrogation. By making Watts feel at ease, they subtly applied pressure while allowing his inconsistencies to surface—leading to his eventual confession about murdering his family.
5. Thinking Beyond the Obvious
A creative interviewer doesn’t just listen to answers; they look at patterns, contradictions, and what isn’t being said. This is where the Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE) technique comes into play—presenting evidence strategically rather than all at once to highlight their inconsistencies and build toward the truth. We often must lock them into their story first.
?? Real-World Example: In the Amanda Knox case, investigators struggled with conflicting accounts. When they strategically revealed inconsistencies between Knox’s statements and physical evidence, it led to dramatic shifts in the case narrative. While Knox was later acquitted, this case highlights how creativity in evidence disclosure influences the investigative process.
Conclusion: The Power of a Gameful & Creative Approach
Investigative interviewing isn’t just about following protocols—it’s about thinking critically, adapting dynamically, and creatively using evidence-based techniques. A gameful mindset helps interviewers stay resilient, engaged, and innovative, leading to better outcomes in complex cases. By treating interviews as strategic challenges rather than rigid procedures, investigators can uncover deeper insights and bring truth to light in ways traditional methods alone might miss. Incumbent in this approach is extensive pre-interview planning and strategic thinking.? This lays the foundation for the ability to adjust and adapt in the interview room. Protocols can be important, but without assimilating these other skills your results will be commensurate with your investment.
So, next time you think of investigative interviewing, imagine it as a high-stakes game—one where creativity, adaptability, and persistence lead to victory. Adopt a gameful mindset.
Evidence-based practices must be at the center of our interviewing approach. If you aren’t employing them, ask yourself what proof do you have that your legacy techniques are producing the desired outcome? Is your approach maximizing the quality and quantity of truthful information obtained? If your answer is “well, that’s the way I have always done it” or something akin to that, it is a clue that it must change. These changes are fundamental but can be accomplished by all, if you are willing. Training is essential. I can provide it or recommend providers teaching evidence-based techniques.? Do your research, find the right provider, maximize your training dollar investment. Don’t get the same old legacy-based methods that have no empirical evidence supporting them.
Anderson Investigative Associates is positioned to custom-tailor training to your specific needs.? If you have any questions or would like to discuss having a gameful interviewing mindset, any evidence-based techniques, or any training need, please reach out.? Additional issues pertaining to interviewing, auditing, and investigations can be found in other blogs and videos that I have produced and are contained in most blocks of instruction that our company presents.
If you have additional questions, comments, or have an interview topic you would like me to address, give me a shout.? In the meantime, be well, stay safe out there, and adapt a gameful mindset and watch your results skyrocket. This mindset will improve your interviewing and communication skills, and not just in interviews but throughout your life. If you need help getting ready, I know who could help.
Mark A. Anderson
Director of Training and Development
Anderson Investigative Associates, llc
114 Loucks Avenue
Scottdale, PA 15683
tel:912-571-6686
★Negotiation & Communications Coach | Facilitator & Trainer at Adaptas Training | Guest lecturer UCC's Msc Coaching | Mentor | Dealing with Goliath Podcast Host??
1 周Love it Mark, as a foundational clarification for anyone else reading this it's important to note that the Gameful Mindset, is not meant to be flippant or make light of the situation. Instead it's about clarity of mission, resilience and adaptability around set backs and obstacles and as you beautifully put it, about creative ways of seeing, readjusting and finding new, more fruitful avenues to explore in order to reach your objectives