If no significant history exists between the pair, then the mentor can rely on the basic techniques of relationship emphasis. Early in the developing relationship, it is especially important that mentors concentrate on posing brief, open-ended questions and encouraging the mentee to answer in adequate detail.
The use of empathetic listening is particularly helpful because it usually creates a positive environment of acceptance and calmness, and thereby enables the mentor to obtain an accurate understanding of the mentee’s unique point of view.
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