![Effective Communications An illustration of hands holding up caption bubbles to show communication.](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/styles/full_width_component_image_standard/public/2023-01/effective-communication_0.jpg?itok=DlYnbcDe)
Communicating Effectively
The ability to interact and communicate effectively is essential to establishing and maintaining an effective mentoring relationship.
Assertive Communication
![Wooden human models posing to demonstrate communication. Assertive Communication](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/styles/section_with_pull_media_image/public/2023-01/gsbs-assertive-communication.png?itok=l-3xlP9s)
Assertive Communication is clear, direct and respectful. Both mentors and mentees benefit from speaking assertively which supports getting their needs met and maintains healthy relationships
Resources:
- Being Assertive: Reduce Stress, Communicate Better: Mayo Clinic article on recognizing and learning assertive communication and behavior
- Being Assertive In A Multicultural World: Brochure by The University of Illinois Counseling Center addressing racial and cultural factors affecting the use and interpretation of assertive behavior.
- Assertiveness - Speaking Up in the Lab and in Life: NIH OITE primer on assertive communication and techniques
Feedback
![Blackboard with a person writing "Your Feedback Matters". Feedback](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/styles/section_with_pull_media_image/public/2023-01/feedback.png?itok=rsFh_7RN)
Feedback provides you the opportunity to acknowledge your mentee’s strengths and support your mentee to work on areas of weakness.
Resources:
- Giving Feedback - Communication Skills Training from MindTools.com: Article covering the main points of giving feedback effectively
- What Research Says About Giving Effective Feedback to Students: Article from INSIDESEL Social & Emotional Learning reviewing current knowledge and best practice in providing feedback within educational settings
- Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well: Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, Penguin, March 31, 2015 (Book)
Listen Actively
![Wooden cut outs of head demonstrating talking and listening. GSBS - Listen Actively](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/styles/section_with_pull_media_image/public/2023-01/listen-actively.png?itok=IgehseDe)
At the heart of active listening is the ability to stay focused on the speaker with a desire to comprehend their situation, respond thoughtfully, and offer support as needed which together builds trust.
Resources:
- Listen Actively: To Be Heard, Listen First: Guide on active listening produced by BCM’s Ombuds
- Infographic: 5 Steps to Listen Actively: Produced from BCM Ombuds’ guide Listen Actively: To Be Heard, Listen First
- Active Listening from MindTools.com: Article covering the main points of practicing active listening
Managing Conflict
![GSBS Managing Conflict The word conflict with an X through it.](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/styles/section_with_pull_media_image/public/2023-01/conflict.png?itok=nckD_1nq)
Being able to address situations by managing our emotions and speaking assertively helps when having challenging conversations and addressing conflict.
- Speak Frankly: A Straightforward Approach to Tackle Tough Issues: Guide to navigating tough issues and conflict produced by BCM’s Ombuds
- Infographic: 6 Steps to Speak Frankly: Produced from BCM Ombuds’ guide Speak Frankly: A Straightforward Approach to Tackle Tough Issues
- Manage Emotions: Seven Tips: Guide with tips on managing emotions during conflict produced by BCM’s Ombuds
- Infographic: 7 Tips to Manage Emotions: Produced from BCM Ombuds’ guide Manage Emotions: Seven Tips
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High. Third Edition. Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, and Emily Gregory, McGraw Hill, October 21, 2021 (Book)