What is your approach to mentoring a new team member?

• A. Tell them to figure everything out on their own.
• B. Share knowledge, model behavior, provide practice, and give regular feedback.
• C. Only provide written notes with no follow-up.
• D. Mock them to force improvement.

Answer: (B)

Effective mentoring is a proactive, supportive approach that helps a new team member grow quickly. It works best when you share knowledge, model the behaviors you expect, provide guided practice, and offer regular, specific feedback. Sharing knowledge gives them the information they need; modeling behavior sets the standard for how to perform tasks and interact with others; practice provides safe, hands-on experience; and regular feedback guides improvement and reinforces strengths.

Telling someone to figure things out on their own leaves them isolated and overwhelmed. Providing only written notes misses chances to clarify questions and adjust guidance in real time. Mocking or belittling creates fear and erodes trust, defeating the purpose of development.