Marcella Garcia: How do I approach a meeting with the post supervisor?

• Approach conversations differently based on context, whether peer, expert, mentor, advocate, or gatekeeper, and frame every interaction by asking who is the hero of the story, then shift your approach so you guide their goals and solve their obstacles
• Use the VSA formula centered on them being the hero of the story with the gatekeeper (or advocate) approach:
• Value - Lead with value by making their work feel seen and meaningful. 
• Story - Transition into a story that centers them by understanding where they are now, where they are going next, and what is getting in their way.
• Ask - Ask focused questions that uncover real challenges where your experience can clearly help, instead of broad questions that lead to generic answers.
• Position yourself as the solution to their problems by aligning your strengths with their gaps, especially where others lack experience or perspective.
• Use the service-based mindset, where your goal is to help them win first, knowing your opportunities grow from their success.

Useful Resource:

Office Hours Archive: Meeting Prep

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