Coping with Meeting DisruptersWritten by Virginia Reeves
here are several common difficult behavior patterns that are demonstrated at meetings. Here are a few with suggestions on actions to take to alleviate problem 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 group by recounting a previous experience, or just wanting attention. Listen but set a time limit. If question is pertinent, it could set off a good discussion. An alternative is to state upfront that questions will be taken at end of report or presentation. Sometimes giving people job of recording 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 group, is having a bad day, or is perhaps naturally combative. It may be best to let person express his or her opinion and then restate viewpoint to ensure clarity. Tell that person that matter can be discussed more fully later. If complaint is legitimate to topic, list positive and negative forces involved. Encourage 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 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 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 goals of group. It is important to validate person's comments but redirect them to 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 group. Otherwise, just acknowledge comment and move on.
| | The Importance of FollowersWritten by Virginia Reeves
In his July 1997 Toastmaster magazine article called "How to Be a Great Follower", Richard G. Ensman, Jr. stated several qualities he believed are important for this role. He wrote: "Whatever your career or position in life, you'll often find yourself serving as a follower: as a subordinate, a member of a committee, or a participant in a work team. As you strive to fill that role, remember vocabulary of great followership." The following traits are among those mentioned in article.* Complementary - understanding strengths and limitations of leader and filling in where needed * Loyalty and Commitment to leader and their work. * Understanding and articulating vision and integrating it. * Candor - speaking one's mind clearly, crisply, and convincingly (in private if necessary). * Listening attentively and observing subtle nuances of what leader is saying. * Predictability as a good trait because stability is needed within a group. * Helpfulness which is demonstrated when unexpected needs, questions and details arise. * Efficiency which means doing task quickly and with little cost or aggravation. * Insightful - asking probing questions and fostering new perspectives. * Creativity in striving to develop ability to bring novel solutions to problems. * Honesty as good followers can be trusted with resources and acting with high standards of integrity. * Persistence in problem solving. * Practicality which leads to thoughtful, positive suggestions. * Communicative with progress reports and developments. * Cheerfulness maintained by an even-tempered disposition and smile - whatever circumstances In this writer/publisher's opinion, these qualities are important no matter what your position! These traits are important for whatever role you are performing. Incorporating them into your daily life will benefit you and those around you regardless of whether you are currently leader or follower.
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