ClintMaun
Novice
/ Moderator
Mar 24, 2010, 8:19 AM
Post #1 of 1
(2200 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Problematic Personalities at Your Meetings? How to Address Them
|
Can't Post
Private Reply
|
|
By Clint Maun CPS
The primary reason for conducting meetings at your organization should be to improve productivity and increase teamwork. Of course, it never fails to have a problematic person. You know who this person is-the one who can't stay on the agenda, who always talks about last night's reality TV show, and ultimately distracts everyone else from achieving the tasks at hand. So, how do you address these problematic people? Below, we'll take a look at the most common types of problematic people at meetings. We'll also offer some simple strategies you can use to effectively combat those who bring meeting malaise.
The problem person: The overly talkative, show-off, or rambler
The solution:
- When he/she stops for a breath, thank him/her, rephrase one of his/her statements and move on.
- Cut across his/her talk with a summarizing statement and direct a question to someone else.
- Indicate in a friendly manner that he/she is off the topic.
The problem person: The highly argumentative and combative personality
The solution:
- Try to find merit in one of his/her points and get agreement on it; then, move on.
- Talk to the person privately after the meeting, and tell him/her that such combativeness is not productive.
The problem person: The know-it-all
The solution:
- Clearly state that you would like to get several opinions, and his/her will be included.
- Sell him/her on the fact that the meeting is a cooperative effort.
- Flatter him/her by telling him/her how much others could benefit from his/her experience, but don't overdo it or the rest of the group will resent it.
The problem person: The side conversationalist
The solution:
- Pause and let others listen, it may be pertinent.
- Call him/her by name, then draw him/her into the discussion by asking for his/her opinion.
- Ask by direct question if he/she has something to add to the general discussion.
The problem person: Can never find the right words-ideas may be good, but can't convey them
The solution:
- Repeat the ideas in your own words, but say "let me repeat that," rather than "What you mean is..".
- Say, "that's one way of looking at it," and go on.
- Ask additional questions such as "Would we be able to reconcile that with...?" but don't embarrass him/her.
The problem person: The griper and complainer
The solution:
- Direct attention to the topic of discussion. Indicate pressure of time.
- Make them offer a solution!
It's important to remember that it's often easy to get off-track at a meeting. When you encounter one of the problematic behaviors outlined above, keep in mind that the employee still probably has valuable insight and ideas to offer. By using the tips above, you should be able to give them the push and direction they need to stay focused.
"Great minds have purposes, others have wishes."
-Washington Irving
By Clint Maun, CPS - www.maunlemke.com
---
(This post was edited by ClintMaun on Mar 24, 2010, 8:20 AM)
|
MAIN
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 