The document discusses various types of problem situations that can occur in group settings and strategies for leaders to address them. It describes different types of chronic talkers like nervous members and show-offs. It also discusses how to deal with dominators, distracters, rescuers, negative members, resistant members, and the "get the leader" behavior. Additional topics covered include dealing with silence, sexual feelings between members, crying, asking a member to leave, and handling prejudiced or insensitive comments. The document provides guidance for leaders on assessing issues and working with members individually or in the group to resolve problems.

1. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Dealing with Problem
Situations
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2. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Chronic
Talkers
Types of Chronic Talkers
 Nervous member-- way of handling anxiety
 Rambler-- unaware of communication style
 “Show-off” --insecure in group
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©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Ways to
Deal with
Chronic
Talkers
 Determine impact of talker on
members
 Pair up with talker to give
feedback
 Address group about sharing time
 Let group give talkative member
feedback
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©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
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division
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Learning,
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Dominator,
Distracter
Dominator wants to lead or
control
leader gives individual
feedback…if chronic, may ask
dominator to leave group
Distracter avoids dealing
with feelings
leader ignores distracting
comments/behavior
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2012
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division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Rescuer
Rescuer patronizes member
in pain
leader explains the
difference between
sympathy and genuine
support for members as they
deal with sharing and efforts
to change.
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©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
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division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Negative
Members
Negative member constantly
complains, gripes, attempts to
enlist others
 leader meets outside group to
discuss behavior
 leader avoids reinforcing behavior in
group by addressing more positive
comments
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©
2012
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a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Resistant
Members
Resistant members are often
members who were “forced”
to attend
leader may allow member to
briefly vent
leader pairs with member or
meets outside group to work
on resistance
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Learning.
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8. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
“Get the
Leader”
Behavior
o “Get the leader” is a phrase used to identify the
behavior of a member who confronts, challenges,
or sabotages leader’s efforts constantly and
inappropriately
o Leader should search for motive, work with
member and group, or ask member to leave
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©
2012
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division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Causes of
“Get the
Leader”
Leader Mistakes
Puts member on the spot
Inappropriately cuts off or
ignores member
Fails to deal with member’s
anti-authority attitude
Leads a boring, irrelevant
group
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10. Copyright
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2012
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division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Causes of
“Get the
Leader”
(continued)
 Negative Attitude of Member
 Forced to be in the group
 Negative opinion of leader for some reason
 Against authority
 Wants to be in charge
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2012
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Learning,
Inc.
Dealing with
Silence
Non-Productive Silence
 Members are confused, anxious, or bored
 Occurs from lack of energy or direction
 Leader should initiate change
Do a round
Do an activity
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2012
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division
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Learning,
Inc.
Dealing with
Silence
Productive Silence
 After meaningful discussion or personal work
 Leader allows time for thought, restrains
premature remarks, eventually seeks comments
leading to further processing
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2012
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division
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Learning,
Inc.
Sexual
Feelings
Between
Members
 More of a problem in personal sharing groups
 Can’t legislate against feelings...members may
pursue anyway
 Speak with members involved if impact is negative
on either member or others in group
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©
2012
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division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Dealing with
Crying
Assess possible origin of member’s
feelings
Leader pairs him or herself with
member to determine member’s
feelings and situation
Consider time available before
“opening up” member to painful
feelings
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2012
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Learning,
Inc.
Dealing with
Crying
(continued)
Intense reaction--send
member out with another
member you trust
Avoid reinforcing tears that
merely attract group
members’ attention
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2012
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Learning,
Inc.
Asking a
Member to
Leave
 Member is excessively negative, hostile, or resistant
 Member’s needs out of line with purpose of
group…an alternative option offered
 Member not ready for personal group work
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2012
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division
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Learning,
Inc.
Asking a
Member to
Leave
(continued)
 Usually done one-on-one in private
 Alternative to leaving…member may watch from
outside the group circle
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©
2012
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division
of
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Learning,
Inc.
Prejudiced,
Narrow-
Minded,
Insensitive
Members
 Comments can stifle discussion; hurtful to
members seeking help and support
 Leader cuts off quickly, explains importance of
openness and free exchange
 Persistence on part of a member may require one-
on-one feedback, possible removal from group
©2016.
Cengage
Learning.
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rights
reserved.