Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative and therapeutic conversational style.  When used thoughtfully, mentors can support and encourage their mentee’s motivation to make personal changes related to a challenge they are experiencing.  It is a powerful technique to have in your mentoring skill set.

To understand the wisdom of Motivational Interviewing and how it complements mentoring, watch this short video from co-founder Dr. William Richard Miller.  This goal-oriented technique does not force a person to change; rather, it helps them tap into their own values and desires for change in an authentic way.

Four mindful actions make up the Motivational Interview framework:

• Collaboration– You are not there to “fix”, you are there to acknowledge your mentee’s autonomy – your connection is a partnership.
• Acceptance– Validating your mentee’s experiences and emotions creates a safe place for them.
• Compassion– Approaching your mentee with empathy allows you to see the world through their eyes.
• Evocation– When engaging in Motivational Interviewing, you are planting seeds of change and helping your mentee cultivate their own garden;, not what you see for them, but what they see for themselves.

Motivational Interviewing champions Seedling’s belief that mentoring is an equal partnership between the mentor and the mentee.   In this partnership, your mentee is the expert and you are the guide, the witness.  It encourages you to be curious!  

OARS, a mnemonic toolbox of core skills is a helpful way to evoke the MI process in conversation.   

Open-ended questions invite others to “tell their story” in their own words.
Affirmations reinforce strengths and values.
Reflective listening builds trust.  It is meant to close the loop in communication to ensure breakdowns don’t occur.
Summaries reinforce the key points of the conversation.  

When in the process of Motivational Interviewing with your mentee, it is important to recognise change talk vs sustain talk.  Change talk refers to statements your mentee makes that express a desire, ability, or commitment to change. The more they engage in change talk, the more likely they are to act on it.  Sustain talk refers to statements your mentee might make that reinforces staying the same-, like doubt, fear, or resistance.  If you hear your mentee using sustain talk, avoid confronting them.  Instead, reflect and explore your mentee’s concerns. 

When using Motivational Interviewing, it is imperative to be mindful, as you don’t want to fall into the trap of righting a reflex.  Given the power differential of mentor and mentee, mentors can sometimes find themselves attempting to correct or solve a problem for their mentee.  Remember, your mentee is the expert and you are the guide, the witness.  Additionally, we don’t want to make assumptions or come off as judging.  If the motivation always comes from you, your mentee is more likely to be ambivalent about change.  They could even double down and resist change altogether.

Motivational interviewing is not for every conversation you have with your mentee, but it is something to have in your mentoring skill set, to use when the opportunity arises.   As you continue to demonstrate to your mentee that they matter, that you support them, they will feel safe to share their challenges and goals with you.  You can be ready when the opportunity arises!

Motivational Interviewing was the topic of the March Mentor Training.  To view power point click here.