Motivational Interviewing for Supervisors and Leaders

Over the years as a Motivational Interviewing trainer, I have had supervisors, managers and supervisors ask how Motivational Interviewing can be applicable in their work. 

There are two books on the topic! 

Motivational Interviewing in Leadership Organizations (MILO) is a subgroup of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Join one of the authors, Colleen Marshall, in this webinar to introduce managers and organizational leaders to ways Motivational Interviewing applies in leadership.

In this webinar, we will explore the adaptations of Motivational Interviewing for leaders and managers. Specifically, we will discuss how to apply the spirit, four tasks, and methods of Motivational Interviewing (MI) are an effective approach for leaders and managers to evoke change readiness among employees in an organizational setting. MI is a collaborative and goal-oriented style of communication based on empathy and listening and focused on the language of change. The webinar will set the stage for understanding how MI can positively impact leadership goals and approaches and will also share other opportunities to develop the skills and practice necessary to master this new application of Motivational Interviewing.

Join us in this free live webinar

If you want a deeper dive into the nuances of this interplay of MI and leadership & supervision, there are two published books on the topic:

1. Motivational Interviewing for Leaders in the Helping Professions by Colleen Marshall and Annette Sogaard Nielsen 
2. MI Lead: Motivational Interviewing Leadership by J. Wilcox, B.C. Kersh & E Jenkins

The sub-group within the MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) called MILO (Motivational Interviewing Leadership Organization) has a a website with lots of resources! 

Plus, here is a podcast episode on MI and supervision from Talking to Change.

And folks- MI cannot be used for everything! There are limitations to utilizing Motivational Interviewing in supervision and leadership. Sometimes, a more directive style of communication and leadership is necessary. Sometimes, we need to follow an employee’s lead. But oftentimes, having a tool like Motivational Interviewing is so helpful for having those in-between conversations when it will be more effective to listen, empathize, collaborate and evoke motivation for change from your staff!

Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: If you are a team lead, supervisor or organizational leader, you know that it takes many different skills to support and cultivate change with staff! Motivational Interviewing is an effective tool to add to your toolbox! Consider how spirit elements of MI can support engagement and buy-in, as well as the OARS skills that support the development of critical thinking, connection with internal motivations, and action plans to support change.