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22.3 Understanding Communication Styles in Mentoring Relationships

Nicholas Williams and Caitin Burns

As you begin to develop a professional relationship with your mentor, it’s essential to understand the different communication styles at play. Start by assessing the mentoring environment and taking the time to discuss preferred communication styles with your mentor. This conversation will help set the foundation for effective communication throughout your mentoring experience.

Your communication style not only reflects how you convey information to others but also provides insight into how you prefer to receive information. Understanding this dual aspect can significantly enhance your interactions, making them more productive and fulfilling for both you and your mentor. For some examples of four common communication styles, review the chart below that outlines key characteristics of each style.

Four Communication Styles

Check out the communication style assessment in the Additional Training Resources section at the end of the chapter to see what your communication style is. Remember that an assessment is not exact, but instead offers information to better understand yourself and your natural tendencies.

Intuitive Direct and to the point
  • If you or your mentor prefer this style, expect a focus on the big picture without getting bogged down by unnecessary details.
  • Intuitive communicators value efficiency and often prefer concise, straightforward conversations.
  • They are less likely to be concerned with emotions or elaborate explanations, aiming instead for clarity and results.
Functional Detail-oriented and systematic
  • Functional communicators are detail-oriented and systematic.
  • They appreciate a well-structured conversation where all aspects of a situation are explored in a linear, step-by-step manner.
  • If this is your style or your mentor’s, you’ll likely focus on processes, timelines, and comprehensive understanding. While emotions might play a role, the emphasis is on logic and order.
Personal Prioritize emotions and relationships in their interactions
  • They value empathy, understanding, and building strong connections.
  • Conversations with a personal communicator often involve a focus on feelings, trust, and mutual respect.
  • If you or your mentor resonate with this style, expect discussions to be more relational and supportive.
Analytical Data-driven and fact-focused
  • They rely on evidence, statistics, and logical reasoning to make decisions and communicate their points.
  • If this style is predominant in your mentoring relationship, conversations may revolve around hard facts, with an emphasis on accuracy and objectivity.

 

To build a meaningful connection with your mentor, it’s important to recognize and adapt to their preferred communication style. Similarly, being aware of your own style will help you communicate your needs and preferences more effectively. This mutual understanding can enhance the mentoring relationship by fostering clearer, more aligned interactions.

Developing an awareness of your communication style also highlights your strengths and potential blind spots. Recognizing these areas, often referred to as growth opportunities, can help you improve how you engage with others in both professional and personal settings. Additionally, you can take the free communication styles quiz located at the end of this section to identify your dominant style and gain further insights.

How to communicate effectively

Effective communication is key to a successful and productive experience. Start by being clear and concise in your conversations, focusing on sharing ideas and feedback in a straightforward manner. Developing a communication strategy with your mentor can help streamline interactions and ensure that both parties are aligned on goals and expectations. Pay attention to non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, as these can provide additional insights into your mentor’s responses and feelings. Preparing for your meetings in advance, whether by outlining questions or topics, will make your discussions more focused and meaningful. Be mindful of your tone to maintain a professional and respectful dialogue. Finally, practice active listening to truly understand and engage with your mentor’s advice and perspectives, which will strengthen your connection and enrich the mentoring experience.

References

Murphy, M. (2022, March 10). Communication styles quiz: Which of these different communication styles do you use?. Leadership IQ. https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/39841409-quiz-whats-your-communication-style

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Foundations of Business, 2nd Edition [2025] Copyright © 2025 by Holly Jackson, PhD is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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