The Nitty Gritty of Mentoring: Questions, Rules, and Feedback
Hey mentors! Ready to dive into the nitty gritty of running a killer mentoring session? Knowing what questions to ask, what to avoid, and how to give feedback can make all the difference. Let’s get into the details that’ll make your mentoring sessions not just good, but great.
Questions to Ask Your Mentee
Asking the right questions might just be the secret sauce to running a great mentoring session. Here are some go-to questions to get you started:
1. Kickoff Questions
- How’s your week been?
- Do you think this weather sucks/kicks goals as much as I do?
- Any wins or challenges you want to share?
2. Goal-Oriented Questions
- What progress have you made towards your goals?
- Has anything stopped you from reaching your current goals
3.Development Questions
- What new skills are you interested in developing?
- What areas do you think you can improve on?
- Are there any resources or support you need from me?
4. Reflective Questions
- What’s something you learned recently that got you all excited?
- Looking back, what would you have done differently in a recent project?
- Have you worked with anyone in the past who you thought was amazing? Why?
5. Future-Focused Questions
- What do you want to have achieved this time next year?
- Where do you ultimately want to go with your career?
- Does anything make you nervous about achieving those goals?
Questions to Avoid
Striking the right balance of what to ask or not to ask is key. Here are some questions you should steer clear of:
- Overly Personal Questions
- Avoid delving into their personal life unless they bring it up.
- Stick to professional and career-focused topics.
2. Leading or Closed Questions
- Don’t ask questions that lead to a specific answer, like “Don’t you think you should…?”
- Encourage open-ended responses instead to understand their perspective.
3. Judgmental Questions
- Avoid questions that sound judgmental or critical, such as “Why didn’t you do that?”
- Frame your questions to be supportive and understanding.
Rules to Follow During a Session
Striking the right balance of what to ask or not to ask is key. Here are some questions you should steer clear of:
- Overly Personal Questions
- Avoid delving into their personal life unless they bring it up.
- Stick to professional and career-focused topics.
2 .Leading or Closed Questions
- Don’t ask questions that lead to a specific answer, like “Don’t you think you should…?”
- Encourage open-ended responses instead to understand their perspective.
3. Judgmental Questions
- Avoid questions that sound judgmental or critical, such as “Why didn’t you do that?”
- Frame your questions to be supportive and understanding.
Rules to Follow During a Session
Having a few ground rules can help keep your mentoring sessions productive and positive. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Be Present
- Give your full attention to your mentee. No multitasking (put that phone down and switch Do Not Disturb on for sure).
- Show that you value their time and input.
2. Listen Actively
- Listen more than you talk. Let your mentee share their thoughts fully.
- Use nods and verbal affirmations to show you’re engaged.
3. Be Respectful
Respect their views and experiences, even if they’re different from yours.
Keep a professional and supportive tone
4. Confidentiality
- Keep your conversations private. Trust is crucial.
- Don’t share details about your sessions without their consent.
5. Stay Positive
- Focus on encouragement and constructive feedback.
- Celebrate their successes, no matter how small.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Mentoring isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about real, impactful growth. Structure your sessions, set clear goals, and watch your mentee thrive. You’re not just a mentor; you’re a guide, a supporter, and a source of inspiration.
Get ready to make a difference, one session at a time.
Mentor on, legends!
Team Cavalry
Cavalry Connect
Get the weekly inside scoop on all things freelancing
