Trainers – How do you Handle Challenging Behaviour?

Challenging behaviour from delegates is one of the most difficult things that we have to deal with, especially when we are new to the trainer role. Good self-awareness and a sense of humor can help us to effectively deal with problems without showing a lack of confidence or hostility – whatever we might be feeling!

There can be several reasons for challenging behaviour, including problems in the delegate’s personal life, shyness, being made to attend the training, or seeing the training as an opportunity to leave the workplace and joke with friends.

So, what can you do about it?

Stop it before it starts!

• Display the Ground Rules on a flip chart – if a rule is broken, it will be obvious to everyone and easier for you or others to challenge the behaviour.
• Ask the delegates to identify the reasons for the training – having told you why it is needed, they are more likely to engage.
• Start the session by asking each delegate why they are attending and what they want to get out of the session. Reluctant delegates tend to be open about not wanting to attend – but being honest about this usually reduces tension. Follow up by asking the delegate to identify something that they want to learn/refresh.

For useful Interventions by Kate Chandler click here