Strategies to Strengthen Communication for Mentors

A coaching mindset can enhance everyday communication and strengthen the effectiveness of mentoring and other interactions such as advising, collaborations, one-on-one interactions, and teamwork. This workshop will start with an introduction on what coaching is and isn’t, evidence behind its effectiveness, and how a coaching mindset can be developed and used to strengthen mentoring skills and communication. Participants will learn what constitutes a coaching approach and what specific skills can be designed for effective communication. Hands-on activities will include practicing deep listening skills and asking coaching-style questions. The follow-up session of this offering will be scheduled and offered during the spring term.

Participants will be able to:

1. Recognize evidence for the effectiveness of coaching.
2. Identify components of a coaching mindset.
3. Differentiate between everyday listening and deep listening skills.
4. Recognize the difference between information gathering and coaching questions.
5. Practice coaching skills by using listening skills and asking powerful questions.

Guest Facilitator:

Zsuzsa Horváth, PhD, ICF-ACC
Associate Professor, Department of Dental Public Health
Director, Office of Academic Career Advancement
Director, Academic Career Track Area of Concentration
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine

Please contact teaching@pitt.edu for questions.