Use these basic guidelines when conducting pre-meeting interviews: • Maintain an “off-the-record” and friendly tone. • Find a personal connection to the interview subject early if possible. Look for shared background or interests, such as a city you’ve lived in or a sports team you like. If it’s someone that you feel intimidated by, like a CEO, keep it light and general. Just don’t force it or spend too much time on it; the goal is just to open a trusting connection. • Gather specific expectations regarding the meeting’s purpose and outcomes. • Ask clear and direct questions, such as “What
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