How can I handle difficult participants in meetings?

How can I handle difficult participants in meetings?

Dealing with difficult participants requires a mix of patience and strategy. What specific behaviors are you encountering?

One participant keeps interrupting others and dominating the conversation.

You might try setting ground rules at the beginning of the meeting, like allowing everyone to speak without interruptions. Would you like tips on how to implement that?

Yes, that would be helpful!

You can say something like, 'Let's ensure everyone has a chance to share their thoughts. I’ll keep track of who wants to speak.' This encourages a more balanced discussion.

What if they still interrupt?

If interruptions continue, address it directly but politely. You could say, 'I appreciate your enthusiasm, but let's hear from others first.' This reinforces the ground rules.