Coping with Meeting Disrupters

Written 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 alleviaterepparttar problemrepparttar 106282 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 helprepparttar 106283 group by recounting a previous experience, or just wanting attention. Listen but set a time limit. Ifrepparttar 106284 question is pertinent, it could set off a good discussion. An alternative is to state upfront that questions will be taken atrepparttar 106285 end ofrepparttar 106286 report or presentation. Sometimes givingrepparttar 106287 peoplerepparttar 106288 job of recordingrepparttar 106289 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 inrepparttar 106290 group, is having a bad day, or is perhaps naturally combative. It may be best to letrepparttar 106291 person express his or her opinion and then restaterepparttar 106292 viewpoint to ensure clarity. Tell that person thatrepparttar 106293 matter can be discussed more fully later. Ifrepparttar 106294 complaint is legitimate torepparttar 106295 topic, list positive and negative forces involved. Encouragerepparttar 106296 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 remindrepparttar 106297 group to keep comments concise, clear, and focused. Proper structuring ensures that all members participate. The competitor wants to win every point whether or notrepparttar 106298 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 inrepparttar 106299 goals ofrepparttar 106300 group. It is important to validaterepparttar 106301 person's comments but redirect them torepparttar 106302 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 ofrepparttar 106303 group. Otherwise, just acknowledgerepparttar 106304 comment and move on.

The Importance of Followers

Written 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, rememberrepparttar vocabulary of great followership." The following traits are among those mentioned inrepparttar 106281 article.

* Complementary - understandingrepparttar 106282 strengths and limitations ofrepparttar 106283 leader and filling in where needed * Loyalty and Commitment torepparttar 106284 leader and their work. * Understanding and articulatingrepparttar 106285 vision and integrating it. * Candor - speaking one's mind clearly, crisply, and convincingly (in private if necessary). * Listening attentively and observingrepparttar 106286 subtle nuances of whatrepparttar 106287 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 doingrepparttar 106288 task quickly and with little cost or aggravation. * Insightful - asking probing questions and fostering new perspectives. * Creativity in striving to developrepparttar 106289 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 - whateverrepparttar 106290 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 currentlyrepparttar 106291 leader or follower.

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