V. Principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Model Pro-Social Behavior

Staff communication with offenders is not limited just to what is said. How staff acts is a critical means of communication as well, sending offenders signals about what is acceptable behavior in society. How staff greets offenders, answers the phone, sits in their chairs - everything staff does is an opportunity to teach offenders new traits and behaviors.

Staff should "model" the proper greetings, or "salutations," when meeting someone, and when leaving. Salutations involve both what is said and nonverbal cues such as eye contact, handshakes and rising when a person walks in or leaves a room. Staff should be prompt, which includes being on time for meetings and other appointments, recognizing the time constraints of others, and maintaining a calendar. Perhaps most importantly, staff should show offenders how to be respectful of others, through both verbal and nonverbal cues.

Staff modeling of these appropriate behaviors establishes the cultural norms for offenders for expected behaviors. Without this, offenders will find it difficult to get and keep a job or do many of the other things necessary to function in law-abiding society.