In this session, we explore how asking thoughtful questions can help mentees reflect on their challenges, recognise opportunities and decide what to do next. Designed for volunteer mentors supporting the Help to Grow: Management Course, the webinar focuses on making mentoring conversations more purposeful while keeping the business leader’s goals at the centre.
Effective questioning goes beyond gathering information. It creates space for mentees to examine their thinking, challenge assumptions and consider different perspectives. We look at how to use open questions, follow up with curiosity and allow time for reflection, without moving too quickly into offering advice or solutions.
The session also considers how to balance support with constructive challenge. You’ll explore ways to help mentees clarify what matters most, identify barriers to progress and turn broad ambitions into manageable actions. These approaches can support conversations about business priorities, leadership challenges and growth plans.
Whether you are preparing for your first mentoring relationship or building on years of experience, use this recording to reflect on your own questioning style and identify techniques to try in your next conversation.
What you’ll take away
- Ideas for helping mentees take ownership of their decisions and next steps.
- Ways to ask open questions that encourage deeper reflection.
- Approaches to challenging assumptions with curiosity and respect.
- An understanding of when to explore further, pause or move towards action.
