How People React in Meetings

Team meetings that involve problem solving

and decision making often get people to act in

an irrational manner, especially if the outcome

of the meeting can have a negative impact

on them personally. This is particularly true

for people who are closely identified with the

cause of the problem. You may also be inviting

people you have never worked with previously,

and you have no idea how they will react to

the problem or the solution.

The AggressorCriticizes everyone as

being part of the problem even if the cause is just

one person.

The Devil’s Advocate

Always argues that there are other causes of the problem

and refuses to become a believer in the real cause

unless threatened.

The DominatorTries to take over the

meeting and professes to know everything about the

problem and what the solution should be. This is seen as a chance for glory.

The Recognition Seeker

Always argues in favor of his or her impression of the problem and also his or her

solution to the problem.

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The WithdrawerMay be afraid of criticism and does not want to be identified as being part of

the problem.