Every day, you show up to do the kind of work that actually changes lives.
You guide people through challenges, help them take the next step in their careers, and navigate conversations that aren’t always easy.
In many ways, you’re planting seeds—hoping new ideas take root, confidence grows, and positive change flourishes.
But let’s be honest—typical new hire training rarely prepares you for what happens in the real world.
And that's because real people don’t follow scripts. They show up with doubts, fears, and resistance.
That’s why the best workforce professionals—the ones who make a lasting impact—have a different set of skills.
These aren’t the ones found in training manuals, but they’re the ones that separate those who connect from those who simply complete a task.
You didn’t get into this field just to check a box—you got into it to make a real impact. Here are three tips to help you go beyond the basics and create conversations that truly matter.
1️⃣ The Skill No One Teaches: Motivational Interviewing in Real Life
You’ve heard about Motivational Interviewing (MI) before. But here’s the thing—it’s not just a technique. It’s an approach.
It’s not about checking boxes or asking “the right” open-ended questions. It’s about guiding people toward their own reasons for change.
The Difference Between Good and Great
✅ Good MI encourages people to take action.
✅ Great MI helps people discover their own motivation so that action feels like a choice.
How This Works in Real Conversations
Instead of: “You should consider training programs.”
Try: “What kind of job would make you excited to get up in the morning?”
Instead of: “You need to apply to more jobs.”
Try: “What’s one small step you feel comfortable taking this week?”
When people feel heard and understood, they engage. And when they engage, they move forward.
2️⃣ The Skill That Changes Every Conversation: Asking Better Questions
The questions you ask primarily determine the answers you get.
Too often, team members ask surface-level questions without realizing they could be opening the door to deeper conversations.
And sometimes? We fall into question traps without realizing it.
🔴 Have you ever heard questions like:
🚫 “Let’s be honest… don’t you think we should do it this way?”
🚫 “Have you thought about just trying harder?”
🚫 “Don’t you think we should move in a different direction?”
👀 If so, you’ve been caught in a question trap.
These aren’t real questions—they’re statements disguised as questions designed to push someone toward a certain answer. And if we’re not careful, we accidentally use them ourselves.
📌 Watch this video to learn how to avoid these traps and ask better questions that actually move conversations forward:🎥 🚨 Avoid These Question Traps Before They Derail Your Conversation! 🚨
Better Questions = Better Conversations
✅ Instead of: “Have you applied for jobs?”
✅ Try: “What’s the biggest challenge in applying for jobs right now?”
✅ Instead of: “Why don’t you want to work there?”
✅ Try: “What would an ideal workplace look like for you?”
When you shift your approach, people don’t feel like they’re being judged—they feel like they’re being heard.
3️⃣ The Skill That Builds Trust Instantly: The Power of the Pause
Most people rush to fill silence in a conversation.
But here’s what happens when you pause instead of jumping in:
✅ The client has time to process their thoughts.
✅ You get more honest answers.
✅ You show confidence and presence.
How to Use This in Real Life
When someone says “I don’t know” → Pause. Give them time to think.
When someone makes an excuse → Pause. Let them hear their own words before you respond.
When someone pushes back → Pause. Let the discomfort work for you instead of against you.
The best workforce professionals don’t just listen to respond—they listen to understand. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is give people space to find their own answers.
Final Thought: Why This Matters
It’s easy to focus on systems, processes, and policies in workforce development. But at the heart of it all, this work is about people.
The difference between a good and great isn’t just experience—it’s how you approach conversations.
📌 Motivational Interviewing helps you guide change instead of pushing it.
📌 Better Questions create conversations that matter.
📌 The Power of the Pause builds trust, confidence, and stronger outcomes.
These skills aren’t always taught. But once you master them, they change everything.
Your Next Step: Let’s Bring This Training to Your Team
If you’re ready to drill down on these skills and turn great conversations into real results, let’s connect.
I offer interactive, high-impact workshops—both in-person and virtual—tailored for:
✅ Workforce professionals who want stronger client engagement
✅ Leadership teams looking to improve internal communication
✅ Organizations that want to equip their staff with practical, field-tested skills
📩 Contact me today to schedule a workshop or explore training options: Speak4MC.com
🎥 Want more tips on Motivational Interviewing? Subscribe to my YouTube channel for practical insights, real-life examples, and strategies you can use right away!
Let’s take your team’s impact to the next level!
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent any other individual, organization, or company. This content is intended for general knowledge and to highlight tools, techniques, and ideas that inspire positive change. Readers are encouraged to explore the topics further and form their own conclusions.