Clashing Personalities in the Meeting Room

The article that I have chosen is titled, “The 3 People that Stand in the way of a Productive Meeting.”  The article, by Molly Owens, describes each non-productive meeting person and how to prevent each person from ruining the meeting flow.  The three meeting killers are the idea killer, the repeaters, and the chatty Cathy’s.  This article caught my attention, because I don’t think this article just relates to the 3 people who prevent meeting productivity.   I feel these people also delay group discussions and brainstorming, classroom efficiency and are just plain ol' workplace annoyances.  These people can put a damper in any workplace environment and can place a reason why some people dread going to work or attending meetings.

Nobody likes the negative Nancy.  Although, being able to look at the downfalls that could arise with new concepts is still important.  The trick is keeping the negativity in check and providing positive concepts as well.  In my years as a student, I haven’t come across a ‘repeater.’  Maybe that’s bad because maybe that’s a signal that I may be the repeater…but I’m pretty sure I don’t repeat other's ideas over and over again...at least I hope not.  The article says to use a white board to write down ideas so the group can not bring up the same ideas over again, which I think is a fantastic idea for people who struggle to create new content.

I may fall into the category of the ‘Chatty Cathy.’  Over time, I think most people know how to deal with someone who's goal is to provide their input, jokes or side comments in every meeting.  The meeting organizer needs to set time frames, and be able to pull the team back onto the topic and ask to hear everyone’s voice. 

These 3 people who are identified as individuals who disrupt productive meetings can’t necessarily change their personality.  Extroverts are going to be people who are more open to communicate and participate in class and work activities, whether it is offering ideas or bringing humor into the discussion.  Some individuals struggle to provide new, original ideas after other ideas have already been given.  We have all been in the position where we weren't able to contribute to the team of felt the topic at hand was something we couldn’t  wrap our minds around or connect too.   Therefore, these 3 people can be deleted from the working environment nor changed their personality, but with proper use, training and structure these types of personalities can be molded to benefit school and work environments. 

Link:   http://www.fastcompany.com/3044967/work-smart/the-3-people-that-stand-in-the-way-of-a-productive-meeting