Engagement is considered one of the most important elements of working with a client. Coady and Lehmann (2008) view engagement as the first of four stages of the social work problem-solving model. Engagement can begin from the first telephone contact or referral notification with the customer. Becoming aware of the client's context (ecology and life circumstances) is a crucial element of this step. It is also important for the social worker to be in tune with their own thoughts and beliefs when they first come into contact with this client. After listening to the client, it is essential for any social worker to make the client feel welcomed with a sense of warmth, empathy and respect. However, too much empathy and warmth can hinder the flow of service delivery. Coady and Lehmann (2008) note that the engagement process is never-ending and can continue into counseling. As a customer, being greeted with warmth and empathy is of the utmost importance. Being welcomed into an office with a cold handshake and a gesture to sit in a cold plastic chair without another word would be disconcerting. This type of environment can cause more anxiety and fear in me as a client. A greeting with a smile and some small talk that leads to discussion of the problem presented would be the best way to engage me. Speaking indirectly about the problem is one of the best ways to find out what's bothering me. Additionally, finding a common connection during the first few sessions is also a great way to engage the client. Something like common food interests, sports, or clothes would be a great way to put me at ease. Negroni-Rodriguez & Morales (2001) discussed the relationship between val...... middle of paper ......kers Code of Ethics of National Associations of Social Workers (2008) Retrieved from: http:/ /www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.aspNegroni-Rodriguez, LK and Morales, J. (2001). Individual and family assessment skills with Latino and Hispanic Americans. In R. Fong & S. Furuto (Eds.), Culturally competent practice: Skills, interventions, and assessments (pp. 132–146). Boston, MA: Allyn and BaconRobbins, S., Chatterjee, P., and Canda, ER (2006). Contemporary theory of human behavior: A critical perspective for social work (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn and BaconScarlach Darmon-Rodriguez, Robinson, Feldman, R. (2000) Educating social workers for an aging society: a vision for the 21st century, Journal of Social Work Education, 36, 521-538Sheskin, IM (2010) Jewish Elderly: A Growing Priority for American Jewry?, Changing Jewish Communities, 58, 1-18.