Navigating complexity with motivational interviewing: implications of change talk strategies for leadership educators in communities of practice

PurposeThis paper investigates the change talk (CT) strategies of the motivational interviewing (MI) technique and their relevance in achieving change goals within communities of practice (CoP), focusing on addressing real-world problems in today's complex world.Design/methodology/approachWe employ a literature review and conceptual analysis to study the interactions and potential areas of complement between CT, MI and CoP theories.FindingsThis paper combines CT, MI and CoP theories to develop an integrated model called Facilitative Change Talk Leadership (FCTL).Originality/value This paper provides an innovative model (FCTL) to inform leadership educators about facilitating communities of practice. We provide a hypothetical case study to suggest how FCTL might foster collaborative inquiry and resilience amidst complex challenges. This case study illustrates a practical pathway for leadership educators and community practitioners to use this model in their own contexts.