The LHWF (Laying Hen Welfare Forum) is delivering a free taster workshop to industry professionals, including feed and breed reps, poultry vets and supply base field teams such as regional/area managers, in motivational interviewing (MI) techniques.
This interactive workshop will take place at NFU HQ at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on Thursday 20 April. This is an all-day event from 09:30 to 15:30. Refreshments and lunch are provided.
What does the course involve?
Participation will involve a one-day (six-hour) in-person workshop, including:
- A participatory discussion: what management topics and producer experiences could tailored communication support best address? We will invite you to discuss the current practices and challenges in your work and where support could best help you.
- Taking part in training sessions in the areas of motivational interviewing and facilitation skills.
If you work in the egg supply chain and interact with producers, and feel you want to learn a new skill or just brush up on your communication skills, then this workshop is for you.
If you are interested and would like to be involved, please email [email protected] to find out more and reserve your place.
What is the LHWF?
The LHWF brings together expertise from industry, farm, animal welfare and government to explore how we can improve flock management and reduce injurious pecking among laying hens. Through practical studies, the group is seeking to establish economically positive ways of improving animal welfare for laying hens and pullets. The LHWF also promotes knowledge exchange within the wider egg industry and endeavours to encourage adoption of best practice by all.
How could motivational interviewing help your business?
This workshop is aimed at those working with producers within the egg sector. Whether you are a representative for a feed or breed company or someone who offers producer support on behalf of an egg packer.
Did you know that one of the best predictors for how well producers will react after behavioural interventions is which adviser they have? This means how you communicate is just as important as what you communicate, and the aim of this workshop is to help you get the best out of your interactions to ensure they are as useful to the producer as they are to you.
What is motivational interviewing?
Motivational interviewing (MI) can offer you ways to meet the needs of the people you are interacting with through your communication approach.
MI helps us to use a guiding style, clarifying strengths and aspirations of those we are engaging with, evoking their own motivations for change and promoting their autonomy in decision-making. You already use many of these communication skills but you might not realise it!
Therefore, it isn’t a matter of simply changing what you are already doing but understanding the effect these skills have and how to adopt new techniques effectively in conversations about change. In doing so, you will be better equipped to engage with producers in positive discussions about behaviour change (in addition to having more helpful conversations in all walks of life!)
