What do you do if your mentee is struggling with Interpersonal Communication in their career development?

1 Assess their strengths and weaknesses

The first step is to understand where your mentee stands in terms of their interpersonal communication skills. You can do this by observing their interactions with others, asking for feedback from their colleagues or managers, or using a self-assessment tool such as the Interpersonal Communication Skills Inventory. This will help you identify their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as their goals and expectations.

2 Provide constructive feedback

The next step is to give your mentee honest and specific feedback on their interpersonal communication performance. You can do this by using the SBI model, which stands for situation, behavior, and impact. For example, you can say, "In yesterday's meeting, you interrupted several times while others were speaking. This made them feel like you were not listening or respecting their opinions." You can also use the STAR model, which stands for situation, task, action, and result, to highlight positive examples of their interpersonal communication. For example, you can say, "In last week's presentation, you explained the problem clearly and asked for questions. This showed that you were confident and engaged the audience."

3 Coach them on skills and strategies

The third step is to help your mentee develop and practice their interpersonal communication skills and strategies. You can do this by using the GROW model, which stands for goal, reality, options, and will. For example, you can ask them, "What is your goal for improving your interpersonal communication? What is the current reality of your situation? What are some options or actions you can take to achieve your goal? What will you do next?" You can also use the RASA model, which stands for receive, appreciate, summarize, and ask, to teach them how to listen actively and effectively. For example, you can demonstrate how to receive the message with attention, appreciate the speaker with verbal or non-verbal cues, summarize the main points, and ask open-ended questions.

4 Support them with resources and opportunities

The fourth step is to provide your mentee with additional resources and opportunities to enhance their interpersonal communication learning and practice. You can do this by recommending books, articles, podcasts, videos, or courses on interpersonal communication topics and skills. You can also create or suggest opportunities for them to apply their interpersonal communication skills in different settings and situations, such as networking events, team projects, client meetings, or feedback sessions.

5 Monitor and celebrate their progress

The final step is to monitor and celebrate your mentee's progress and achievements in improving their interpersonal communication. You can do this by setting SMART goals, which stand for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, and tracking their performance and outcomes. You can also give them recognition and praise for their efforts and improvements, and encourage them to reflect on their learning and feedback.

Interpersonal communication is a skill that can be learned and improved with guidance, practice, and feedback. As a mentor, you can play a crucial role in helping your mentee overcome their interpersonal communication challenges and grow their career potential.