22.4 Asking the Right Questions
Nicholas Williams and Caitin Burns
Now that you’ve considered the context of your mentorship and the communication styles of both yourself and your mentor, it’s time to focus on another crucial aspect of the relationship: asking the right questions. Quality mentorship relationships are built on trust, honesty, appreciation, clarity, commitment, and personal accountability. Central to maintaining these elements is consistent and respectful communication.
The ability to ask good questions is a powerful tool in developing and deepening professional relationships, particularly in mentorship. Thoughtful questioning not only shows respect for your mentor’s experience but also allows you to maximize the benefits of the relationship. Use the chart below to familiarize yourself with the eight types of questions, and think about how you might apply them in your next mentoring conversation.
8 Types of Questions
| Open Ended Questions | These questions encourage broad exploration and allow for expansive responses. They are useful for gaining a deeper understanding of your mentor’s experiences and perspectives. | Example:
“How did you approach your first major project at work?” |
| Summarizing Questions | These questions help check for understanding and signal that you are ready to move the conversation forward. They are effective in ensuring clarity and confirming that you’ve correctly interpreted what your mentor has shared. | Example: “So, your manager asked you to lead the team presentation without much preparation?” |
| Probing Questions | Probing questions dig deeper into a subject to uncover background information and motivations. They are particularly useful when you need more context or wish to understand the reasons behind certain actions or decisions. | Example: “Why did you choose that particular strategy when managing a tight deadline?” |
| Linking Questions | These questions help make connections between different topics or ideas, facilitating a more integrated understanding of the conversation. | Example: “How did your internship experience influence your decision to pursue that career path?” |
| Closed Questions | Closed questions typically result in a simple “yes” or “no” answer and are useful for clarifying specific points or gathering straightforward information. | Example: “Did you find it challenging to balance coursework with your part-time job?” |
| Leading Questions | Leading questions assume rather than inquire, guiding the respondent toward a particular answer. While they can be useful in steering a conversation, they may also limit open exploration. | Example: “Do you think taking on extra responsibilities helped you get that promotion?” |
| Multiple Choice Questions | These questions present a set of options, helping to speed up decision-making or focus the conversation. However, they can also limit the scope of the discussion. | Example: “Would you recommend 1) focusing on internships, 2) getting involved in campus organizations, or 3) taking additional courses to build experience?” |
| Hypothetical Questions | Hypothetical questions invite your mentor to reflect on past experiences and consider alternative scenarios, providing insight into their values and thought processes for the future. | Example: “If you were in my shoes, would you choose to accept the job offer now or wait for more opportunities?” |
Using Questions Effectively in Mentorship
Each type of question has its own place and time, depending on what you want to achieve in the conversation. As you engage with your mentor, consider how different questions can guide the discussion, reveal insights, and strengthen your connection. A well-timed question can open doors to deeper understanding and create opportunities for growth within the mentoring relationship.
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
Sciarappa, K., & Whitmer, M. (2022). International Mentoring Association Mentor Training “Building Futures” Mentor’s Notebook Eight Types of Questions: International Mentoring Association. August 9, 2022.
