Ask-Offer-Ask and Motivational Interviewing: Side-by-Side
AOA vs MI: Building the Best Foundation
The Challenge: Why MI Alone Falls Short
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a powerful approach, but without a strong foundation, its effectiveness can be significantly limited. Here’s why many organizations struggle:
Understanding the Comparison
Why Compare AOA and MI?
Comparing Ask-Offer-Ask (AOA) with Motivational Interviewing (MI) is crucial to understanding how each approach can benefit your organization. While MI offers a comprehensive framework for client-centered communication, AOA simplifies these principles into actionable steps. AOA enhances confidence to engage in challenging conversations, from day 1, while also addressing the challenges faced by MI in terms of cost and skill retention.
High Costs, Questionable ROI
Comprehensive MI training can cost $1,500–$2,500 per staff member, yet research shows that 70% of skills learned in training are lost within weeks without regular reinforcement.
High Costs, Questionable ROI
Comprehensive MI training can cost $1,500–$2,500 per staff member, yet research shows that 70% of skills learned in training are lost within weeks without regular reinforcement.
Barriers to Application
MI is nuanced and often overwhelming, particularly for professionals navigating high-pressure, real-world environments. Many staff members leave training inspired but unsure how to integrate MI into their daily work.
Barriers to Application
MI is nuanced and often overwhelming, particularly for professionals navigating high-pressure, real-world environments. Many staff members leave training inspired but unsure how to integrate MI into their daily work.
Inefficiency in Implementation
Training entire systems in MI without a common entry point leads to inconsistent adoption, frustration, and diminished outcomes.
Inefficiency in Implementation
Training entire systems in MI without a common entry point leads to inconsistent adoption, frustration, and diminished outcomes.
AOA vs. Traditional MI Training
Discover the key differences between Ask-Offer-Ask and traditional Motivational Interviewing training to make informed decisions for your organization.
AOA
Immediate day-one usability
Builds confidence quickly
Creates a shared language
Reinforces MI principles
Scalable across systems
Intro to MI Training
Helpful but requires additional practice
Can feel overwhelming
Harder to track progress
Low application without coaching
High upfront training costs
%
70% of MI Skills Lost Without Reinforcement
$1,500–$2,500 per staff annually on workshops
%
AOA Increases Skill Retention by 50%
%
Immediate ROI with AOA Implementation
Key Talking Points for Decision-Makers
Discover how Ask-Offer-Ask (AOA) transforms organizational communication by providing a practical, immediate, and cost-effective approach to Motivational Interviewing (MI).
AOA is MI in Action
AOA is not a separate or alternative technique—it’s MI distilled into its most practical form. By mastering AOA, staff develop confidence in MI principles while building the skills to advance into full MI practice.
AOA is MI in Action
AOA is not a separate or alternative technique—it’s MI distilled into its most practical form. By mastering AOA, staff develop confidence in MI principles while building the skills to advance into full MI practice.
Immediate ROI
Unlike traditional MI training, which requires weeks or months to see results, AOA equips staff with actionable tools they can use immediately.
Immediate ROI
Unlike traditional MI training, which requires weeks or months to see results, AOA equips staff with actionable tools they can use immediately.
Cost-Effective Scalability
By focusing on AOA first, organizations can reduce initial training costs while increasing overall adoption and effectiveness of MI over time.
Cost Effective Scalability
By focusing on AOA first, organizations can reduce initial training costs while increasing overall adoption and effectiveness of MI over time.
Data-Driven Implementation
Studies consistently show that without foundational tools, retention of MI skills plummets. AOA ensures skills are reinforced, sustainable, and scalable.
Data-Driven Implementation
Studies consistently show that without foundational tools, retention of MI skills plummets. AOA ensures skills are reinforced, sustainable, and scalable.
Organizational Transformation
AOA fosters a shared communication framework, aligning leadership, supervisors, and staff around a common approach that supports cultural change.
Organizational Transformation
AOA fosters a shared communication framework, aligning leadership, supervisors, and staff around a common approach that supports cultural change.