Quorum and group leaders should interview home teachers regularly to learn about members’ needs. Interviews also provide leaders with an important opportunity to strengthen home teachers and teach them their duties.

To hold an effective interview, leaders must prepare. Following are some basic principles to help leaders conduct interviews:

• Schedule the interviews such that there is sufficient time to conduct them in a dignified, unhurried manner.
• Pray to have the Spirit and the power of discernment during the interviews.
• Hold them in a place that is quiet and comfortable and allows privacy.
• Give full and sincere attention to the individuals. Show a genuine interest in them.
• Help the individuals feel comfortable and at ease by being kind and calm.
• Make sure the individuals understand any questions the leader asks.
• Keep the interviews on the subject.
• Let the individuals know the leader is available for help.
• Assure the individuals that personal information will be kept confidential, and then keep it so.

A leader's sincere efforts to listen to the members he interviews will help them resolve their concerns. This means trying to understand their concerns and then helping them arrive at decisions for which they feel responsible. They must commit themselves before they can change for the better.

President N. Eldon Tanner explained:

"It is important that those we interview realize that they are spirit children of God and that we love them, and let them know that we love them and are interested in their welfare and in helping them succeed in life. . . . 

"Remember, the interview is based on consideration, on sympathy and love. This is so important. Let the people know we love them and are only trying to help them" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1978, 59–60; or Ensign, Nov. 1978, 41–42).