Foot-in-the-mouth
Engagement Method
Introduction and Purpose
A Foot-in-the-Mouth (FITM) strategy increases the likelihood of compliance to a behaviour-change request, based on first establishing rapport between the requester and recipient (Howard, 1990). The strategy begins by initiating ‘small talk’, such as the requester asking “How are you?” Once a positive connection has been established between the two parties, a request can be introduced. At this stage the recipient is more likely to feel comfortable and willing to respond positively.
Requests to engage in pro-biodiversity behaviours such as:
- Encouraging participation in wildlife monitoring and bird feeder maintenance
- Proposing a tree-planting activity
- Suggesting a short mindfulness-in-nature break
- Inviting colleagues to join a lunchtime biodiversity survey around the office grounds
Key Features
Timeframe:
- Foot-in-the-mouth can be implemented in a few minutes and can be used in a business of any size.
Materials Required:
- A (set of) clear request(s)
- Identification of ‘who’ will be doing the requesting
- Identification of ‘who’ will be asked to comply
Skills Required:
- Interpersonal and Communication to engage in small talk and make requests
Potential Impact:
- Enhanced protection/restoration for biodiversity
- Staff behaviour-change towards biodiversity
- Positive relationships between staff
Case Study
Rationale
The strategy works by drawing on everyday social norms of conversation and reciprocity
- A friendly expression of interest in someone’s wellbeing, such as asking “How are you?”, helps to create a sense of connection
- People tend to respond positively to such questions (“I’m fine, thanks”) and are then more likely to maintain that positive tone when a small request follows
Benefits:
- Requires no financial cost to implement, making it easy to apply in any workplace setting
- Helps create a friendly and open environment in which behaviour change requests are more likely to be received positively
Links to Resources
Change Minds offers suggestions on how to begin Foot in the Mouth conversations.
