Symptoms

Possible Reasons

What to Do

Group is tired, apathetic, dull.  Marked lack of interest, low response rate, yawning. However, group is also quiet, polite, passively instead of actively resistant.

• Group doesn’t buy into need for the session

• Participants have  been in the session for too long a period

• Group has been engaged in same type of working technique for too long

• Lead group in an examination of what the session will accomplish, establish need/rationale for session.

• Energize the group through personal enthusiasm, small talk, humor, kidding.  Explain subject vividly.  Take a break.

• Switch techniques: Involve participants in doing something:  small group work, answering questions, etc.

Group is actively resistant, hostile, antagonistic Participants are intent on personal agendas, arguing with trainer or each other. Opposition both to content and style of session.

• Participants have distrust of situation and its real intentions.

• Interpersonal conflict in other settings is spilling over into session

• At least some participants perceive a threat from the session

• Assist group in discussion of awareness of need for the session and likely outcomes

• Identify possible conflict situations and separate or control individuals involved

• Utilize the group to help control situation.  Talk privately to troubled individuals.

Group is lost, confused, unable to decide what to do, but wants to work on something.  Participants complain that they are wasting time, are restless, feel that the discussion lacks organization and focus.

• Discussion has been dominated by one member with whom group is not in agreement

• Subject under discussion is one that is not of any interest to the group

• Group is prepared to meet, wants to proceed

• Prevent any single member from sidetracking central discussion; take a vote and move on

• Double-check for relevance; move on to another topic or another direction

• Suggest ways of working:
  agendas, structure, list of topics and possible outcomes

• Get group working on something substantive, viewed as key issue