You're facilitating a large group and things start to go wrong. How can you turn it around?

1 Identify the problem

The first step to turn things around is to identify the problem and its source. Is it a technical issue, a human issue, or a content issue? Technical issues can be related to the equipment, the platform, or the connection. Human issues can be related to the behavior, the expectations, or the emotions of the participants or yourself. Content issues can be related to the relevance, the clarity, or the complexity of the material. Once you identify the problem, you can decide how to address it and communicate it to the group.

2 Apply the appropriate solution

The second step to turn things around is to apply the appropriate solution for the problem. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, you may need to adjust, adapt, or abandon your plan. For technical issues, you may need to check your settings, switch to a backup device, or reschedule the session. For human issues, you may need to restate the ground rules, acknowledge the feelings, or intervene in a conflict. For content issues, you may need to simplify the concepts, provide more examples, or ask for feedback.

4 Review the objectives and outcomes

The fourth step to turn things around is to review the objectives and outcomes of the session. After you have re-established the rapport with the group, you need to refocus on the purpose and goals of the session. You can do this by summarizing what has been covered so far, clarifying what is still to be done, or asking for questions or comments. You can also use some tools to check the progress and alignment of the group, such as a parking lot, a SWOT analysis, or a SMART action plan.

5 Adapt to the new situation

The fifth step to turn things around is to adapt to the new situation. After you have reviewed the objectives and outcomes of the session, you need to adjust your plan and approach to fit the new reality. You may need to prioritize, skip, or modify some activities, depending on the time, energy, and interest of the group. You may also need to change your style, tone, or pace, depending on the mood, feedback, and needs of the group.

6 Learn from the experience

The sixth and final step to turn things around is to learn from the experience . After you have completed the session, you need to reflect on what went well, what went wrong, and what can be improved. You can do this by asking for feedback from the participants, reviewing the evaluation forms, or conducting a self-assessment. You can also use some methods to capture and share the learning, such as a debrief, a report, or a blog post.