Take Control of the Team When You are the Leader

Much of the training I do is for managers, many of whom have to be available even during a training sessions. Up until today I have never had a problem with cell phone use in a training session. Attendees who have had to be available have put their phones on vibrate, and sat where they could quickly step out of the training room to take a call. Today was different. One participant took (and placed) a number of calls during the session. Comments regarding her behavior appeared on evaluations. How have any of you dealt with the issue?

The Team Doc Says…

I would have asked the participant to step outside. Sometimes common sense does not prevail in people. There is no way that person would have disrupted my training session and the learning of other participants.

Whatever behavior happens in your training sessions is a reflection on you as the team facilitator / team leader. There are a lot of “ground rules” you can work through with the group at the beginning of the session so that you aren’t the only one holding the bag, but you found out the hard way that you are the one being judged on that person’s behavior.

Don’t let it go the next time. Take steps to nip it in the bud quickly.

Best regards,

Denise O’Berry
aka ‘Team Doc’