The worst is when the disruptive person has authority in the group, as people will follow the leader, even if it comes at their own expense.
Looking back, I wonder if I should have stopped the training and let the teacher know that we would figure out where the missing student was at a later time, just follow along now with the students you do have.
This is better than powering through by a lot. Acknowledging the problem and setting next steps to deal with it at a later point, goes a long way.
Easy guide.
- Appreciate them for taking the time to be with you
- Give a clear endgoal of the session and rhetorically (large group) ask if this is suitable. (watch for nods)
- Give a clear agenda
- See if there is anything they want to add - let them have a chance to modify slightly
(acknowledge as a good point, but say we will get to it later if out of topic scope - make a point of writing it down as a note) - Deliver in stages, clarify each stage and check understanding
- Recap what was covered
- Ask if the goals were met
- Do a quick round of key takeaways (three for a large group)
- If they were, set next steps, expectations and deadlines
- Open up a line for feedback
I am not a great public speaker and worse now, but having a clear structure helps manage the sessions and take a lot of load off the process.
Good luck!
Thanks for the info! I knew you would have some good takeaways on this! I think the problem is when you stop the training to address that one individual, then you loose the rest of the group as they get having their own side conversations because they think "he isn't talking to me".
Yes. But acknowledging them and their issue and mentioning that it will be addressed after, shows the rest of the group you are thinking of them and valuing their time, whilst still catering to individual needs. You can also add that if anyone else comes across the issue (like missing student), that they should take note and "we" will look at it together after the session/ later date. It is generally an effective tool to give people the power that they feel they can concentrate on what is at hand and still have their concerns addressed.
Good point. Thanks again for that!