In my last Article, I talked about general principles for running a successful meeting. Here, a short tip sheet on how to deal with problem people. If you have experiences, ideas or suggestions about how you have handled difficult situations, we’d love to hear them. Just add in the “comments” section.
| PROBLEM | SOLUTION |
| Latecomer |
Start meetings on time-don’t wait for stragglers.
|
| Early Leaver |
Get a commitment from all members at the beginning of the meeting to stay until the end.
|
| Broken Record |
(Brings up the same point over and over.) Use “group memory” or the minutes of the meeting to remind Broken Record that the point is noted.
|
| Doubting Thomas |
As facilitator, get the group to agree not to evaluate any ideas for a period of time, then use this agreement to correct violators.
|
| Dropout |
(Nonparticipant.) Try asking the person’s opinion during the meeting or at a break.
|
| Whisperer |
As Facilitator, walk up close (low-key intervention). Or ask for focus on a single topic.
|
| Loudmouth |
Move closer and closer, maintain eye contact. Ask person to be group recorder.
|
| Attacker |
Thank the attacker for observation, ask the group what it thinks.
|
| Interpreter |
(Often says “In other words” or “what she really means.”) Check this in public with original speaker.
|
| Gossip |
Ask the group to verify the information.
|
| Know-It-All |
Remind the group that all members have expertise; that’s the reason for meeting.
|
| Busybody |
Before the meeting, ask other members to get Busybody to stop.
|
| Teacher’s Pet |
Be encouraging, but break eye contact. Get group members to talk to on another. Lessen your omnipotence by asking Teacher’s Pet, “What do you think?” |
