Hello Reader,
Motivational interviewing (MI) recognizes that individuals go through different stages of change when considering behavior modification. In any coaching, therapy, or mentoring relationship, understanding an individual's stage of change is crucial in applying the correct intervention.
This is also important to understand as a leader or business owner. Being able to make a rough assessment of where somebody on your team is when they are required to make a significant change will help you to have realistic expectations.
Below are the stages of change along with example statements of an alcoholic:
- Precontemplation: In this stage, individuals are not considering behavior change and may be unaware or in denial of any problems related to their behavior. They may resist or be defensive when confronted with the need for change. ("I don't have a drinking problem, I'm fine.")
- Contemplation: In the contemplation stage, individuals are more aware of the pros and cons of their behavior and are considering the possibility of change. They may have mixed feelings and ambivalence about making a change. ("Maybe my drinking has gotten a little out of hand, but I'm not sure if I want be sober yet".)
- Preparation: In this stage, individuals have made a commitment to change and are actively preparing to act. They may start gathering information, seeking support, and making plans to modify their behavior. ("I hit rock bottom last night. I'm ready to get help. I've started looking into programs in my area.")
- Action: The action stage involves actively modifying the behavior. Individuals are implementing their plans and making tangible changes in their lives. This stage requires effort, commitment, and persistence. ("I am now going to Alcoholics Anonymous three times a week and working on my sobriety.")
- Maintenance: Once individuals have successfully made changes in their behavior, they enter the maintenance stage. The focus here is on sustaining the new behavior over time and preventing relapse. It requires ongoing effort, coping strategies, and support systems. ("I've been sober for five years and still go to AA meetings once a week to stay on track.")
- Relapse: Relapse is a common occurrence in behavior change. It refers to a return to old habits or behaviors after a period of change. Relapse is seen as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a failure. It often leads individuals back to the contemplation or preparation stage to reconsider their motivations and strategies for change.
The practical utility of the model is that understanding what stage someone is at will help you pick the best intervention. If an alcoholic is at the precontemplation stage, the only goal is to help them become contemplative. Rushing to action can be counterproductive because they have not yet developed awareness of their problem. Conversely, if an individual is at the preparation stage, helping them contemplate their problem too much could set them backwards: they need to progress towards action, not move backwards to contemplation.
Individuals may move back and forth between stages, and the progression through the stages is not always linear. People are complex and messy, and any psychological model should be held lightly. However, this framework can be invaluable in understanding yourself and others' readiness to change.
Although M.I. is commonly used in addiction treatment and psychotherapy, it is also used in workplaces and other contexts. The stages of change model can be applied to an individual's readiness to change any habit: exercise, communication, meditation, diet etc.
On an organizational level, the model can be used when employees are having difficulty adapting to a new procedure or protocol, learning a new software, or making any change that is difficult. Applying this model will help you understand what each individual needs to progress. Managers can benefit from this model by assessing their people and applying personalized strategies to everyone they supervise.
Application:
- Imagine a coworker, friend, or family member who is having a difficult time changing. What stage do you imagine they are at? Knowing this, how can you more effectively help them?
- You can also apply this model to an organization. For example, Blockbuster video stayed in the Precontemplation stage too long and didn't realize they had a problem with emerging competitors like Netflix. Other organizations recognize they have a problem, but get stuck in the contemplation or planning stage, and never take the appropriate action needed to change. How can this model help your current understanding of the problems your organization is facing?
To your success,
Bill