THINGS TO AVOID IN INTERVIEWING

Judgment - Criticizing or moralizing puts the interviewee on the defensive. Even if they do not argue back, they will edit what they say in order to win the interviewers approval. The member will concentrate on proving that they are right rather than on giving an honest explanation. Putting a person on the defensive makes it harder to find out what they really think.

Arguing - Little is gained from argument, at least at the early stages of an interview. Yet, there is a strong human tendency to correct the other person when they say something that is obviously wrong. Moreover, if the interviewer is attacked personally, they must exercise tremendous restraint not to answer back.

Providing Advice - When you finally get the complete picture as the member sees it, you may be able to provide advice or information not previously been available. But again, it is often better to help the member work through their problems. In any event, you should hold off giving advice until after the interviewee has told their entire story and until you have all the facts.