If you’re a seasoned facilitator you’ll know that it isn’t a question of IF you come across a challenging person or situation in a workshop/ meeting but WHEN!
Before we dive into the tips, let’s think about the behaviour of so-called ‘trouble-makers’ which have the potential to derail a meeting or workshop.
They might….
Talk a lot
Distract others
Ignore instructions
Ask difficult questions that don’t add to the discussion
Try to take over
Try to catch you out
The key thing to remember is not to take it personally. Challenging situations are a normal part of bringing groups together to make decisions or solve problems. If someone seems disruptive, there's usually an underlying reason for their behaviour.
Something that can be helpful is understanding the four core personality types that people can be associated with. Many have a combination of a few types but one is usually more dominant.
The different types of workshop participants
Now for the tips….
TIP 1: SET EXPECTATIONS & GROUND RULES
This approach is particularly effective for Process-Oriented individuals, who prefer clear guidelines and dislike being caught off guard.
By establishing expectations and ground rules and securing agreement from your participants, you can ensure everyone is accountable to the agreed-upon standards.
For this strategy to be successful, it is essential to set these expectations in advance and obtain participants' buy-in.
TIP 2: ASK PROBING QUESTIONS
This technique is beneficial for addressing the needs of Power-Hungry, Knowledge-Driven, and Resistance-Oriented individuals, as it helps participants feel heard and understood. Probing questions are particularly effective because they invite responses that you might not anticipate, which can disrupt the plans of those trying to undermine the session.
THE SOLUTION?
Ask Probing Questions. These questions engage the participant and give you the opportunity to manage the discussion without revealing any uncertainty on your part. If you encounter a challenging question or one intended to derail the session, try using these prompts:
"That's a really interesting question! Can you tell me what’s behind you asking that?"
"What do you mean exactly? Can you tell me more?"
“Do you have a specific situation in mind?”
Probing questions validate the asker, provide you with additional context, and give you time to think. Additionally, the person might end up answering their own question, creating a win-win situation!
TIP 3: RECORD IDEAS (AND MOVE ON!)
This strategy is particularly helpful for dealing with Power-Hungry and Resistance-Oriented individuals, who need to feel in control and be asked for input.
Occasionally, participants may share ideas that don't fit the current discussion, or they might have their own agendas. Dismissing these ideas as irrelevant or out of scope can make participants defensive and less cooperative.
Instead, try this approach: Thank the participant for their input and explain that while their idea isn't immediately applicable, but it may be valuable later. Assure them that you've noted it down. This way, they feel acknowledged and can let go of their idea for the time being. If appropriate, you can revisit their point during a relevant part of the workshop.
On another note…..
There are still a few spots left for my High Value Legacies Catalyst Programme which is taking place in September.
So if you are a Legacy or Innovation Manager in the charity sector check it out and DM me on LinkedIn if you’d like more information. Macmillan, Dementia UK, Mind and Prostate Cancer UK have already signed up.
🚨The early-bird deadline is tomorrow (Friday 14th) at 5pm! 🚨