Dealing With the "Dominator"

We have all been in meetings where one or two people dominate the meeting.  Typically, this situation causes other meeting participants to withhold their ideas and contributions, and as a result, the meeting does not achieve its potential.  Sure…decisions may be made and solutions identified, but they are not of the quality that would come with full participation!

Consider these techniques to deal with the meeting “dominator” –

• Don’t focus on shutting down the dominator…try to get the others to participate instead.

• Give everyone a chance to talk…go around the table if necessary.

• Break into groups for generating ideas and options, and then have them report to the full group.

• If necessary, impose limits on participation.  Don’t let anyone speak a second time on an issue until others have had a chance to speak once.  Consider having the dominator speak last on an issue…after the others have put forward their contributions.

• Again, if necessary, interrupt the dominator with a question directed at someone else. Or, acknowledge the point made, and then involve others by asking their opinion on the matter.

• Prior to the meeting, recruit the dominator to assist in getting the silent members to participate.

• Set a meeting ground rule that focuses on everyone participating, and ask all participants to help monitor and enforce the rule.

Association CEOs, managers and volunteer leaders frequently facilitate sessions or meetings involving staff, volunteers, members and third parties.  The intent of the Facilitation Role is to expose readers to various facilitation tools, how they work, and when they should be used. 

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