Read the following case and use your knowledge of this chapter's concepts to answer the questions that follow.

Xiaowei the New Mentor

Xiaowei is the sales manager at a lumber supply company so successful in its geographic region that it employs $250$ full$-$time and $50$ part$-$time workers. In addition to selling lumber to builders, the company also makes steps, doors, deck material and molding. Kurt, the CEO, asked Xiaowei if she would mentor Misty, a newly hired marketing researcher. Kurt explained to Xiaowei that the marketing research position is vital to the future of the company. He believes that the market for the company's main product line is levelling off and that a market researcher might be able to explore new markets and product expansion for the company.

Xiaowei said that she was eager to mentor Misty because she thinks that the new market researcher has considerable potential to help the company. Xiaowei said, "I've already begun mentoring Misty, and she seems receptive." Three days later, Xiaowei met with Misty for the first mentoring session. The session included the following comments by Xiaowei:

"Misty, as your official mentor, I want you to do the following things. First, dress more professionally. It looks like you outfit yourself at stores for low$-$income people. I will recommend a few better stores for you in an e$-$mail. Second, I have a list of websites I want you to track every day. I have sent you an e$-$mail listing these sites because they are excellent for picking up marketing trends. Third, I want you to spend at least one day a week out in field speaking to new potential users of our products."

Three weeks later, Xiaowei sent Misty a text message saying, "Report back to me immediately on your progress. Send me a summary of your website searches. Also, send me a few photos of any new office clothing you have bought."

Later that day, Xiaowei sent Misty a brief text message that stated, "Remember to focus on your daily work tasks. Don't be a dreamer."

During lunch with Pete, the company information systems administrator, he asked Misty how she enjoyed being mentored by Xiaowei. Misty responded, "Did you say being mentored or being smothered?"

Xiaowei is an authoritarian mentor, and her strategy typically involves micromanagement. However, she has ended up neglecting a few other good practices that mentors must follow. Xiaowei does not provide emotional support or help to enhance leadership capabilities in Misty.

In this case, how would you deal with Xiaowei's shortcomings if you were in Misty's position?

a$.$ Request management for a backup mentor.

b$.$ Speak to other colleagues and inform them about Xiaowei's mentoring style.

c$.$ Confront Xiaowei about her shortcomings.

d$.$ Approach the top management and inform them about Xiaowei's shortcomings.