Motivational interviewing (MI) can be incredibly effective in helping colleagues navigate uncertainty about pursuing further education. In addition to asking open-ended questions and using reflective listening, I also emphasize the importance of exploring their long-term goals and how further education could align with those aspirations. I often encourage them to think about their motivations, not just the obstacles, and explore possible solutions for overcoming challenges. Highlighting their previous successes can reinforce their confidence and ability to take on new challenges. What other MI strategies have you used to help colleagues or team members make decisions in the workplace?

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative and empathetic communication approach designed to help individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about a decision. If a colleague is unsure about pursuing further education, you can use MI to create a safe space for them to articulate their thoughts, reflect on their motivations, and make an informed decision.

Ask your colleague what they are interested in studying. Why is this interesting? How does this help with their life goals? These are good motivational questions to begin with, and then you will need to "feel" your way as the conversation unfolds.

Sticking to facilitative questioning to guide a person on their journey is important. These are not guided by my urge to satisfy my curiosity but by guiding a person towards their own work in self-discovery. And what often works well is to help a person move from what they are thinking and believing to what they are feeling as well as what it might be like for them to move towards different solutions and/or paths; engaging imagination and possibility.