Prot g s also prove their readiness by the initiative they take in finding a mentor and winning an opportunity to learn from them. A final indicator is the prot g 's commitment to listen and draw out the mentor and his insight. As in all human relationships, communication is the means by which effective mentoring occurs. Understanding, clarification, guidance, encouragement and coaching are central elements of mentoring that require extended communication. The prot g must enter into the relationship with a commitment to communicate openly about their life and challenges.
Good mentors ask many probing questions.
They do this to clarify their own understanding of the prot g and at times to help the prot g come to a more accurate self-understanding. On occasion, these questions dig deeply into areas that are guarded by fear or unhealthy pride. For the prot g to grow, there must be a willingness to open up and explore the areas where the mentor believes that probing is necessary. Prot g s prove their readiness to communicate and be probed by not dodging or responding superficially during extended or probing conversations. They also take initiative to reveal areas of their life or challenges that they believe would be important for their mentor to understand.