01
One person monopolizing discussion
The Dominator
Thanks [Name], great points. Let's hear from others - [quiet person], what's your take?
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One suit of the deck
Difficult Participants.
For the rooms where one person is running the show.
10 movesIn this suit
02
Participant hasn't spoken
The Silent One
Try pair-share first, then report out. Or use written responses before discussion.
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03
Constant negative pushback
The Naysayer
I hear your concerns. Let's park those and explore 'what if it could work?' for 5 minutes.
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04
Private conversations disrupting
The Side-Talker
Stand near them, pause, or say "Let's bring that conversation to the group."
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05
Distracted by devices
The Phone Checker
Let's do a quick phone stack - everyone put phones in center, first to grab pays for coffee.
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06
Dismissing others' ideas
The Expert
You bring valuable experience. Help us understand how a newcomer might see this.
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07
Someone joins late and disrupts
The Late Arriver
Brief nod, continue. Catch them up at next break or have a buddy fill them in.
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08
Long-winded responses going nowhere
The Rambler
"Let me pause you there - what's the key point you're making?"
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09
Participant keeps cutting others off mid-sentence
The Interrupter
Hold that thought, [Name] - let's let [Other Name] finish, then you're straight up next.
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10
"Nothing will change anyway" fatalism
The Cynic
I hear the skepticism - let's use it. What would need to be different for you to see this actually working?
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