Mentor Feedback and Coaching Techniques

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of constructive feedback in a mentoring relationship?

Accepted Answer

To help the mentee improve skills and performance through specific, actionable insights

Answer

To point out all mistakes the mentee has made

Answer

To demonstrate the mentor's expertise and knowledge

Answer

To document the mentee's progress for HR records

Question 2

Which feedback model provides structure by describing the Situation, Behavior, and Impact (SBI)?

Accepted Answer

The SBI feedback model

Answer

The STAR feedback model

Answer

The GROW model

Answer

The sandwich feedback model

Question 3

What does the 'sandwich' feedback technique involve?

Accepted Answer

Beginning and ending with positive feedback, with constructive criticism in the middle

Answer

Delivering all negative feedback first, followed by positive reinforcement

Answer

Alternating between positive and negative feedback in no particular order

Answer

Using written feedback sandwiched between two verbal conversations

Question 4

When is generally the most effective time to deliver feedback to a mentee?

Accepted Answer

As close to the observed behavior or event as possible

Answer

Only during scheduled annual performance reviews

Answer

At the end of the entire mentoring program

Answer

When the mentor has accumulated multiple observations to discuss at once

Question 5

What is 'feedforward' as distinguished from traditional feedback in mentoring?

Accepted Answer

Forward-looking suggestions focused on future improvement rather than past errors

Answer

Feedback delivered before a task is started to set expectations

Answer

A focus on cataloging past mistakes to prevent future repetition

Answer

Feedback provided by multiple mentors simultaneously

Question 6

Which type of listening is most critical when a mentor delivers feedback and the mentee responds?

Accepted Answer

Active listening

Answer

Selective listening

Answer

Passive listening

Answer

Evaluative listening

Question 7

What is the main distinction between coaching and mentoring?

Accepted Answer

Coaching focuses on specific skills and performance while mentoring encompasses broader career and personal development

Answer

Coaching is long-term while mentoring is typically short-term

Answer

Mentoring only occurs in formal organizational settings while coaching is always informal

Answer

Coaching requires professional certification while mentoring has no requirements