These are the people who do not want to be in the training session and are probably there because they were sent there. You will recognise them when they walk into the room. They may glare at you in the ice-breaker and fail to respond to your attempts to engage them.

 

Tips for Managing Malcontents
 

1.      Do not allow their mood distract you from what you are doing or impinge on the rest of the group.
 

2.      Treat them with respect. If they are not disruptive, give them space. Trying to get them involved may exacerbate matters.
 

3.      At a suitable time, such as a break, take them aside and let them know you can see they are not engaging. Ask them what the problem is and if you can help. Often this will break down resistance.
 

4.      If the Malcontent is outspoken, don’t allow the complaint to be aired publicly. Stay calm. Tell them you would like to hear more as soon as you have set the rest of the group an activity. Let them air their grievances to you privately and see if you can resolve the situation.
 

5.      Make sure your session has activities suitable to all learning styles and levels. Some participants will hate sitting in instructor-led sessions. Others feel that training is a waste of time because the sessions move too slowly for them. Adjust your session to suit the various types.