Dealing with Problem People

Ever been to a meeting and been really frustrated with one of the others there? Here are some usual problems you might encounter. Read each scenario and come up with some tips you might have for the group facilitator.

Think about: What are some techniques for dealing with this personality?
What are some ground rules you could establish to avoid this?
How would you phrase one response to this person to regain control?

Ramblin’ Rhonda- You’ve met Rhonda, she talks and talks and talks. The only trouble is her talking is about everything except the subject. She often gets lost and many times uses far fetched analogies which are hard for the group to follow.


Boxing Bill and Betty- These two members clash on everything. If Bill says the sky is blue, Betty says it’s grey. Their clashing divides your group into factions.


Motormouth Michael- Michael not only constantly talks but he monopolizes the conversation to the exclusion of others in the group.


Dependent Donna- A leader can fall in love with Donna at first. She is the one who will listen to no one else but the leader. She always asks what the leader thinks and keeps all the focus on the leader to the exclusion of the group.


Inarticulate Ian- A good intentioned soul, Ian has trouble putting thoughts into words. He can’t convey his idea and really needs your help to get his idea on the table.


Silent Sally- Now Sally might have several reasons behind her silence. She refuses to talk but you are not sure if she is bored, indifferent, feels superior, timid or insecure.


Carl the Conversationalist- The side bars abound with Carl here. There are whispered conversations with another group member which may or may not have to do with what is being presented. It is very distracting to you and other group members.


Here are some tips to consider:

Ramblin Rosemary
-Restate any relevant points she makes
-Let her speak till you find one idea that you can use to transition back
-Refocus by asking the group (turning away) how they see it
-If she is way off, take the blame and say something I said must have led you off, now we are speaking about....

Boxing Bill and Betty
-Emphasize points of agreement
-Minimize points of disagreement
-Ask that personalities be left out
-Bring another reasoned voice in before you loose control


Motormouth Michael
-When he stops for a breath, thank him for his contribution and refocus
You’ve given us a lot to think about....
Let’s get some other thoughts on the topic...
-Make a ground rule that everyone has a chance to address the topic before in depth analysis
-Ask him for one new point he wants to bring to the group


Dependent Donna
-Point out that your view as leader is not as important as the view of the group
-Get some other opinion
-Give your opinion if appropriate and immediately ask others in the group to respond


Inarticulate Ian
-Say, “OK, let me repeat that...”
-“Do you mean…”
-Put their ideas in a better language and have it make sense
-Avoid saying, “What do you mean?”


Silent Sally
-Ask her for her opinion
-Compliment her sincerely, when she does speak for the first time


Carl the Conversationalist
-Don’t embarrass him
-Ask a direct question by calling his name and restating the last opinion expressed, and ask his opinion of that
-Sometimes a glance or pause will bring him back

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