Here
are several common difficult behavior patterns
that are demonstrated at meetings. Here are a
few with suggestions on actions to take to
alleviate the problem the behavior presents.
1. There are those who like to ask questions
which may or may not be appropriate.
This can stem from real curiosity, a desire to
help the group by recounting a previous
experience, or just wanting attention. Listen
but set a time limit. If the question is
pertinent, it could set off a good discussion.
An alternative is to state upfront that
questions will be taken at the end of the
report or presentation. Sometimes giving
the people the job of recording the ideas
keeps them too occupied to interrupt.
2. Someone who argues or complains may be
motivated by a feeling that their needs are
not being addressed, is annoyed with someone
in the group, is having a bad day, or is
perhaps naturally combative. It may be best to
let the person express his or her opinion and
then restate the viewpoint to ensure clarity.
Tell that person that the matter can be
discussed more fully later. If the complaint
is legitimate to the topic, list positive and
negative forces involved. Encourage the group
to respond as well.
3. Dominators may work from a base of wanting
to show off or demonstrate how well informed
they are. The leader should remind the group
to keep comments concise, clear, and focused.
Proper structuring ensures that all members
participate. The competitor wants to win every
point whether or not the argument is any good.
Remind this speaker that he or she can't
always be right and that other comments also
deserve to be heard.
4. Ramblers tend to be preoccupied with their
own interests and are either unaware of or
uninterested in the goals of the group. It is
important to validate the person's comments
but redirect them to the subject and task.
Digressers may misunderstand a task or seem
distracted by another issue. If clarification
is in order, do it quickly so as not to
frustrate other members of the group.
Otherwise, just acknowledge the comment and
move on.
5. We've all been frustrated by others who
hold private side conversations. They may be
sharing their reaction or viewpoint,
discussing a matter not related to that
meeting, or catching up on personal news.
Solutions? Separate the talkers, ask them to
include everyone in the conversation, direct a
specific question regarding the topic at one
of them, or make the person the recorder.
Another great tactic is to stop the meeting
and be silent - this should embarrass the
talkers into stopping. A tactful technique is
to ask that only one person speak at a time as
that leads to easier listening and better
group dynamics.
6. The joker can lighten up a dreary meeting
with a little levity. But some individuals go
overboard. Then there is the sarcastic one,
the person who can't resist a snide remark. A
bad tone for the meeting ensues as this person
belittles what others say. Cut the tirade by
stating that such remarks be withheld during
the meeting.
7. The objector likes to remind co-workers
that it's been done before with no success or
that the idea has little merit and probably
wouldn't work. This can stem from lack of
knowledge or understanding, fear of change, or
laziness. Another problem is the person who
tries to form a coalition to pressure the
group to accept and back him or her and what
they think would be a better way. If you can't
get these people to be a more constructive
part of the team, don't invite them to future
meetings.
While it is the leaders responsibility to keep
the group focused on the meeting topic, help
is usually given by the rest of the
participants via pointed comments or looks.
Meeting disrupters don't have to be tolerated;
politely challenge their behavior and get back
on track. After all, most of us don't enjoy
spending much time in meetings and the
sooner we get back to "real work",
the happier we are.
About the Author |
| Copyright
2002 by Virginia Reeves. This article may be
reprinted; inform the author via
mailto:rainbowop@onemain.com. For more on
creativity, success, communication, and
enhancing your skills and talents for more
growth, please click on http://www.rainbowopportunities.ws
or mailto:millionairemindset@GetResponse.com
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