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CFZD · Aug 10, 2009, 08:10 PM

Dear all,

My company assigns me a metor who is recently promoted as a VP, therefore he has been very busy and I understand it fully.

I had a few serious decision making that I was asking him for advice before, he didn't reply. This time I have a significant choice to make in my career, he is still not answering my email ( I sent it a week ago).

I don't stay in the same country as he does half of the time, but when I am back to his country, he does make time to meet me but only twice a year, an email every quarter. I always listen to his advice and gave him feedback, he is always pleased on my performance in the company too. He always says I will go very far in the career and all other young professionals should be like me, but I am still young and learning, I would like to receive more mentoring.

Am I being impatient or how do I get his advice? I want a stable mentor for my career!

Thanks,

Wondergirl · Aug 10, 2009, 08:18 PM

A mentor should be on call for emergencies and encourage communication, if not every day, at least several times a week.

We will be your mentor! Ask us anything!

Gemini54 · Aug 10, 2009, 09:33 PM

He may be busy, especially if he's just been promoted to a VP position. His new position is probably his priority at the moment rather than your professional dilemma.

You may need to speak to your HR Department about potentially assigning you a new mentor for the time being or speak to someone else.

Remember, he has his career too, so I would respectfully suggest that you need to curb your impatience and look for another solution.

Clough · Aug 10, 2009, 10:00 PM

Hi, CFZD!

For what purpose were you assigned a mentor, please?

Knowing that will be helpful to us here in helping you the best.

Thanks!

CFZD · Aug 10, 2009, 10:03 PM

You may need to speak to your HR Department about potentially assigning you a new mentor for the time being or speak to someone else.

I thought about it, but I don't know if that is a good idea. How do I address the issues then? I think he is a great person to talk to, if I tell HR he is too busy to be my mentor I am afraid that is not nice.

Plus, company appointed him to be the one, it is written. Meeting a mentor twice a year, I don't think it is enough for my career development.

CFZD · Aug 10, 2009, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Clough

Hi, CFZD!

For what purpose were you assigned a mentor, please?

Knowing that will be helpful to us here in helping you the best.

Thanks!

Career development, I am on the "fast track" ( manangement training program for Young Professionals).

Gemini54 · Aug 10, 2009, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by CFZD

I thought about it, but I don't know if that is a good idea. How do I address the issues then? I think he is a great person to talk to, if I tell HR he is too busy to be my mentor I am afraid that is not nice.

How will they deal with the issue if they don't know that there is a problem?
As you know, that's their job.

artlady · Aug 10, 2009, 10:18 PM

You might want to send him another email expressing your disappointment that he has not responded to you.

I would then give him the opportunity to bow out if he feels that he can't dedicate the time needed to be an effective mentor.

I would thank him for the previous times he was there for you but express that you do want a mentor who is more readily available.

If done in a diplomatic way,I don't think he would be offended and he should understand and appreciate your position.