I have not had my life together enough recently to update so prepare yourself, there might be a lot to come in the next few day especially about adventures in budgeting and couponing. Stay tuned.
Today though I met with my new supervisor for my assistantship next year. This meeting was the highlight of my week. Hilary and I probably spent about half the time professing out love for one another in various ways. She says that we are going to be the dream team and I am starting to think we might be the same person which makes my goal of growing up to be her much less daunting. So I just wanted to share some things I learned from Hilary today and have observed over the past few months.
1. Always be pleasant but firm: This is certainly not a skill I have acquired yet. I can generally either be one or the other. I think this is an extremely important part in learning to be a leader or supervisor. I desperately hate to hurt people's feelings which is why I have such a hard time being firm unless I am absolutely against something.
2. Choose your words carefully: Also, another skill I need to work on. It is important to know your audience and speak appropriately. It can also suck to have to eat your words later so "err of the side of professional caution" says Hilary.
3. Be very intentional: If there is not a point behind it there is no reason to do it. You can't just do things all willy-nilly.
4. Be patient: This is practically the antithesis of me (except in traffic for some reason). I can see the big picture and I want to get there now. Some things require baby steps.
5. Know what to share and what to keep to yourself (a.k.a. Not everyone needs to know everything): I wish I had a better filter on my brain. I really struggle with this because I like sharing information with people. This is why I enjoyed giving tours so much. I think it is so satisfying to be able to answer someone's question but just because you can doesn't always mean you should.
6. Even if it doesn't apply to you there is always a learning opportunity: Thank goodness this is one thing that I already do. I like to learn about all different aspects of things and I think that it can be good to invite outside people in to learn about what you do and ask questions.
7. Sometimes you don't have to storm the gates to get things done: I am a full-steam ahead sort of person so I tend to be very overwhelming (even for myself at times) because I want things to happen on a grand scale right away. Sometimes it's ok to take it slow.
8. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar: In one year Hilary has managed to meet so many people all over campus and when you mention her name people's reaction is "Oh Hilary? I love her!" That is an awesome reaction! In less than a year! So I strive to be someone so wonderful that even though I might be changing everything you do people still love you.
9. Build a network of mentors: I swear sometimes she knows people everywhere. I love the idea of keeping you mentors handy and having someone on hand that no matter what the situation you always know that you could pick up the phone and ask for their advice.
10. Keep in touch with old contacts, you never know when you might need them: This kind of falls in line with the last one but in a little different light contacts might not always be someone you are close to but someone that you can pick up the phone or shoot them an e-mail and know that they will do whatever they can to help you out.
These are all very true, especially the knowing what to share and knowing what to keep to yourself. I have trouble with this too because I also like to share. Being intentional about what I say and when I say it has been an important skill for me to gain. So glad to hear that you are excited about your new GA! : )
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