providing feedback
		one feedback tool -- AID
		structuring a mentoring session using GROW
		examples of useful questions when using GROW

Providing Feedback

One Feedback Tool -- AID

A
A C T I O N
The things that the mentee is doing well, or poorly.

I
I M P A C T
The effect these actions are having.

D
D E S I R E D O U T C O M E
The positive impact the mentee would have by doing things differently.

Structuring a Mentoring Session using GROW

	Agree on topic for discussion Agree on specific objective of session Set long-term aim if appropriate	Invite self-assessment Offer specific examples of feedback Avoid or check assumptions Share your related personal experience Discard irrelevant history Use dialogue to gain insight
	Commit to action Identify possible obstacles Make steps specific and define timing Agree on support	Cover the full range of options Invite suggestions from the mentee Offer suggestions carefully Ensure choices are made Reinforce positives

Here are a few tips for using this tool . . .

• Use more ask than tell; elicit useful ideas from your mentee -- don’t just try to prove you are smart
• Think creatively -- not just systematically -- particularly in the Options and Wrap-up steps
• Illustrate and check understanding throughout by using specific examples -- from the mentee’s and your own experiences.
• You can lengthen or shorten each of the four steps as needed

Examples of Useful Questions when using GROW

GOAL Step:

• What is it you would like to discuss?
• What would you like to achieve?
• What would you like from (to achieve in) this session?
• What would need to happen for you to walk away feeling that this time was well spent?
• If I could grant you a wish for this session, what would it be?
• What would you like to be different when you leave this session?
• What would you like to happen that is not happening now, or what would you like not to happen that is happening now?
• What outcome would you like from this session?
• Is that realistic?
• Can we do that in the time we have available?
• Will that be of real value to you?

REALITY Step:

• What is happening at the moment?
• How do you know that this is accurate?
• When does this happen?
• How often does this happen? Be precise if possible.
• What effect does this have?
• How have you verified, or would you versity, that that is so?
• What other factors are relevant?
• Who else is relevant?
• What is their perception of the situation?
• What have you tried so far?

OPTIONS Step:

• What could you do to change the situation?
• What alternatives are there to that approach?
• Tell me what possibilities for action you see. Do not worry about whether they are realistic at this stage.
• What approach/actions have you seen used, or used yourself, in similar circumstances?
• Who might be able to help?
• Would you like suggestions from me?
• Which options do you like the most?
• What are the benefits and pitfalls of these options?
• Which options are of interest to you?
• Rate from 1-10 your interest level in/the practicality of each of these options.
• Would you like to choose an option to act on?

WRAP-UP Step:

• What are the next steps?
• Precisely when will you take them?
• What might get in the way?
• Do you need to log the steps in your journal?
• What support do you need?
• How and when will you enlist that support?

 

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