Priesthood Interview
From The Encyclopedia of Mormonism
See this page in the original 1992 publication.
Author: Boss, R. Wayne
The Church has developed a system of regularly scheduled priesthood interviews for effective overseeing of delegated responsibilities. Commonly used in home teaching accountability (referred to as Home Teaching Interviews) and in other Church programs, these private meetings between a priesthood leader and a member who reports to him are designed to increase communication, resolve concerns, maintain accountability, build spirituality, and empower members to fulfill their responsibilities.
The interview typically begins with a prayer about the issues at hand, and the first few minutes are spent following up on assignments generated during the previous session. When assignments have not been completed, plans are made to ensure completion before the next meeting. Although the format for the remainder of the interview varies to fit the needs and circumstances, it might include the following: discussion and resolution of administrative or organizational problems; training in administrative and management skills; resolution of interpersonal problems; sharing information on what is happening in the organization, including success experiences; identification of individual and organizational needs; and discussion of personal problems as appropriate. The last matter on the agenda of a priesthood interview is often a review of new assignments generated during the meeting, ensuring mutual understanding and verifying the accuracy of the notes recorded.
The priesthood interview is widely used as an administrative procedure between levels of Church organization and assists Church leaders to "organize [themselves] and appoint every man his stewardship; that every man may give an account…of the stewardship which is appointed unto him" (D&C 104:11-12). Interviews are often scheduled on a monthly or quarterly basis at the initiative of the priesthood leader.
Research shows that applying the principles of interviews to secular organizations in the private and public sectors can produce a number of benefits. Employed by either religious or nonreligious organizations, such interviews can increase the quantity and quality of communication, build higher levels of trust, improve the organizational climate and group effectiveness, and prevent regression that normally follows team-building meetings. Managers also report that regular interviews consistently save them time by reducing unscheduled interruptions.
[edit] Bibliography
Boss, R. Wayne. "Team Building and the Problem of Regression: The Personal Management Interview as an Intervention." Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 19 (1983):67-83.
Boss, R. Wayne. "Just Between You and the Boss." Training and Development Journal 39 (Nov. 1985):68-71.
Faust, James E. "These I Will Make My Leaders." Ensign 10 (Nov. 1980):34-37.
R. WAYNE BOSS
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