You're frustrated by a peer who interrupts during meetings. How do you effectively address this behavior?
When a colleague keeps interrupting during meetings, it's essential to address the issue diplomatically to maintain a productive environment. Here are some effective strategies:
How do you handle interruptions in meetings? Share your strategies.
You're frustrated by a peer who interrupts during meetings. How do you effectively address this behavior?
When a colleague keeps interrupting during meetings, it's essential to address the issue diplomatically to maintain a productive environment. Here are some effective strategies:
How do you handle interruptions in meetings? Share your strategies.
-
My first resort would be to have a one-on-one conversation. In most cases it helps. However, if that doesn't work well, then I'd make the same person responsible for the meeting minutes and distribution of tasks to the team over an email after the meeting, this ensures complete attentiveness and focus from the assigned person and in fact from everyone else as well. Basically, you make them the 'meeting monitor' like teachers would in school. Tried and tested.
-
As I get older I am realizing that this question or other questions that speak to potential conflicts with your colleagues or people requires a very direct conversation. This direct conversation needs preparation from the giver of the feedback. And one thing that would be worth the time is to read the book radical candor. That book can help you prepare for that conversation. Hint - If a person knows you care for them it is easier to provide feedback. One last hint, we are often tempted to give feedback quickly, a suggestion take your time and ask for permission.
-
I will make rules related to meeting means any person who is present in the meeting can interrupt in only emergency condition. I will schedule time of meeting means when will start meeting and how much we need to attend meeting. I will give equal opportunity to speak about his/her views.
-
Addressing a peer who interrupts in meetings requires staying composed. Speak privately and use "I" statements like, "I’ve noticed when I’m sharing, I get interrupted, which makes it hard to finish my thoughts." This keeps it non-accusatory. Explain how interruptions impact productivity and suggest meeting guidelines like taking turns or using a “raise hand” function. Model good behavior by actively listening and not interrupting. If it continues, propose a neutral facilitator to guide discussions. Handling this calmly fosters better communication, respect, and collaboration.
-
A private conversation with the person may help him to understand the gravity of the interruptions, and further ask what he thinks can be more helpful. Then we'd conclude with delegating minutes writing or back-up note taker to monitor how effective the change would be. I'll go ahead to commend him for the composure during one of such monitored meetings.
-
I would have a one to one conversation and make it clear to my peer that his interruption in my meetings is irritating me. Politely but effectively without wasting much time I will set boundaries in meetings that need to followed. No one can suppress anyone’s voice and everyone has the right to express themselves. When we say an inclusive culture we should also behave accordingly. After the peer understands and follows my request I will appreciate him in an open forum to encourage him to continue to value everyone’s opinion.
-
People who interrupt you during meetings can seem so frustrating! While you may want to roll your eyes and show your irritation - a better way is to take CONTROL of your response. This requires a mix of assertiveness and diplomacy. 1. Politely Acknowledge It- Say something like, “I’d like to finish my point first, and I’d love to hear your thoughts afterward.” This asserts your need to complete your idea while showing you value their input. 2. Pause briefly, make eye contact & continue speaking in a steady tone. This shows you are confident and have a point to make. 3. If it Repeats - Name it & politely but directly say, “I noticed I’m being interrupted. I’d like to finish my thought, and I’ll make sure to hand it over to you next.”
-
If I were frustrated by a peer who interrupts during meetings, I'd want to address the issue in a way that is respectful but also clear about the impact their behavior is having on the meeting and the team dynamics First, I would remind myself to stay calm and not react impulsively during the meeting. When emotions are high, it’s easy to get defensive or frustrated, but a measured response tends to be more effective. I'd focus on the impact of the interruptions rather than making it personal. If the interruptions continue, I’d politely but firmly establish a boundary.
-
To address a peer who frequently interrupts during meetings, approach the situation calmly and respectfully. During a break or after the meeting, you might say, “I noticed that our discussions sometimes get interrupted. It would be helpful if we could all have a chance to finish our points.” This gentle approach encourages open dialogue without creating conflict. Additionally, using non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact or raising your hand subtly can signal your intention to speak. Setting ground rules, such as allowing each person to finish before responding, can foster a respectful and collaborative meeting environment.
-
Ich unterbreche höflich, wenn nötig, um sicherzustellen, dass wir beim Thema bleiben. Meine Strategie ist, ruhig und respektvoll zu bleiben, indem ich Sätze verwende wie „Entschuldigung, dass ich kurz unterbreche, aber…“, um den Fokus wieder auf das Wesentliche zu lenken. Falls ein Gespräch ins Abseits gerät, schlage ich vor, dieses Thema nach dem Meeting zu vertiefen. Wenn ich selbst unterbrochen werde, warte ich geduldig ab, bevor ich sachlich fortfahre oder meine Argumente wiederhole. Dabei signalisiere ich Wertschätzung für den Beitrag der anderen. Mit dieser Balance aus Diplomatie und Klarheit stelle ich sicher, dass Diskussionen effizient und respektvoll bleiben.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
LeadershipHow can you follow up on action items and decisions made during meetings?
-
Executive ManagementHow can you ensure that board meetings are action-oriented?
-
Performance ManagementWhat do you do if your colleagues consistently interrupt you during meetings?
-
LeadershipHow can you ensure that action items are clearly defined in meetings?