CPM Communication Strategies & Active Listening 2

Question 1

A mentor notices their mentee seems distracted during a session. Which active listening technique is most appropriate to re-engage them?

Accepted Answer

Ask an open-ended question about what's on their mind

Answer

Open-ended questions invite the mentee to share what's distracting them, re-establishing connection and presence.

Question 2

Which of the following BEST describes 'reflective listening' in a mentoring context?

Accepted Answer

Paraphrasing the mentee's message to confirm understanding

Answer

Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing what was said to demonstrate comprehension and validate the speaker.

Question 3

When a mentee uses vague language like 'things aren't going well,' a mentor practicing active listening should:

Accepted Answer

Ask a clarifying question to understand the specific concern

Answer

Clarifying questions help unpack ambiguous statements and show the mentor is genuinely engaged.

Question 4

In cross-cultural mentoring, effective communication requires a mentor to:

Accepted Answer

Be aware of cultural differences in directness and nonverbal cues

Answer

Cultural competence includes recognizing that communication norms vary and adapting accordingly.

Question 5

A mentee shares a concern and the mentor immediately responds with a solution. What critical step did the mentor skip?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging the mentee's feelings before problem-solving

Answer

Jumping to solutions without emotional acknowledgment can make the mentee feel unheard and dismissed.

(CPM) Certified Professional Mentor Practice Test