Group Dynamics & Participation
A Group Flat-Out Refuses to Do the Activity
One group looks annoyed and says, “This is pointless, can we just sit this out?”
→ How do you re-engage them without escalating conflict?
“What is validating their concern, then reframing the activity’s purpose and offering a low-pressure way to participate?”
A Student Makes an Inappropriate Joke During an Icebreaker
It wasn’t malicious, but it definitely crosses the line. Some students are uncomfortable.
→ How do you respond in the moment and reset the tone?
“What is calmly acknowledge the comment as inappropriate, reaffirm the group’s ground rules for respect, and guide the group back on track with a tone that resets the space without shaming the student?”
You Run Out of Content 20 Minutes Early
Your last discussion finished way faster than expected.
→ What backup strategy do you pull out of your toolkit?
“What is pivot to a reflection activity, bonus discussion prompt, or Q&A to reinforce key takeaways while keeping the energy engaging and intentional?”
Your Icebreaker Flops — Crickets, Blank Stares, or Shrugs
You were excited about it, but students aren’t biting.
→ Do you pivot? Push through? How do you recover the energy?
“What is read the room, acknowledge the flop with humor if appropriate, pivot to a simpler or more familiar activity, and use the moment to build trust by staying flexible and upbeat?”
Only One Student is Talking During Group Share-outs
Your class is split into groups, but during the share-out, only one student speaks for the entire team every time. The others are disengaged.
→ What do you do to ensure balanced participation and team accountability?
“What is switch up the share-out format by assigning rotating speakers, giving each member a specific point to cover, or using written responses to ensure everyone contributes?”
A Student Says, “This Class Feels Like a Waste of Time” — Out Loud
You overhear it during a transition, and a few classmates laugh in agreement.
→ Do you address it directly? Ignore it? Shift the activity?
“What is acknowledge the comment calmly without calling the student out, re-center the group by affirming the class’s purpose, and use the moment to reconnect them to the value of the activity?”
A Student Refuses to Participate in the Icebreaker, Saying “This is Dumb”
You sense the resistance might influence others.
→ How do you maintain a welcoming space without forcing participation?
“What is respect their choice not to participate, briefly share the purpose of the activity, and invite them to observe or join later—keeping the tone light and inclusive?”
You’re Running 15 Minutes Behind Schedule
You’re only halfway through the guest speaker portion and still have a group activity and Olympic check-in.
→ How do you prioritize and adapt?
“What is quickly assess which elements are most essential, coordinate with the speaker if needed, and shorten or reschedule lower-priority activities while keeping participants informed and engaged?”
A Student Tears Up or Shuts Down Mid-Discussion
The topic hit too close to home. They’re visibly distressed.
→ How do you protect their dignity and maintain class focus?
“What is gently check in with the student one-on-one if possible, offer them space or an option to step out, and calmly guide the class forward with care and respect for emotional boundaries?”
One Team is Clearly Carrying a Disengaged Member
You overhear them whispering frustrations, “He doesn’t do anything.”
→ How do you guide the team to address this without being punitive?
“What is check in privately with the team to acknowledge the tension, prompt a group reflection on roles and collaboration norms, and support them in setting shared expectations moving forward?”
No One Volunteers to Share First… for an Uncomfortably Long Time
You ask an open-ended question and are met with silence. You wait. Still nothing.
→ How do you break the silence without lecturing or rushing?
“What is normalize the silence, offer a personal example or reframe the question, and gently invite participation without pressure?”
Two Students Walk in Late Eating Food and Talking Loudly
The class is mid-discussion. They aren’t trying to be rude, but it’s disruptive.
→ Do you call it out? Let it go? Redirect the energy?
“What is pause briefly to acknowledge the disruption with humor or a gentle redirect, then smoothly bring focus back to the group without singling anyone out?”
The Guest Speaker Cancels 5 Minutes Before Class
You now have 30 unexpected minutes to fill.
→ What’s your emergency plan?
“What is pivot to a high-energy backup activity, open a meaningful group discussion tied to course goals, or lead a reflection that reinforces learning outcomes—staying calm and confident to keep momentum?”
Two Students Get Into a Heated Disagreement
It starts about a discussion topic but quickly gets personal.
→ How do you de-escalate and steer the group back to productive dialogue?
“What is step in calmly to pause the conversation, acknowledge the tension without assigning blame, redirect the group to shared values or guidelines, and reframe the topic to focus on ideas—not individuals?”
A Student Quietly Tells You They Don’t Feel Like They Belong in Business School
You weren’t expecting the disclosure mid-class, but they’re looking to you for guidance.
→ What do you say? How do you follow up?
“What is thank them for trusting you, affirm that doubts are normal and don’t define their worth, and offer to connect after class for deeper support or resources to help them feel seen and supported?”
One Group Finishes Way Ahead of Everyone Else
They start chatting about weekend plans while others are still working.
→ How do you honor their effort without disrupting others?
“What is quietly acknowledge their progress, offer them an optional extension or reflection task, and redirect their energy respectfully to maintain a focused environment?”
Your Co-Facilitator Goes Off-Script or Says Something Problematic
You’re co-leading, but your partner starts saying something unplanned or misaligned with the course tone.
→ Do you correct them in front of the group? Wait? Debrief later?
“What is gently steer the conversation back on track if needed in the moment, avoid direct correction publicly, and debrief with your co-facilitator privately after the session?”
Tech Fails Completely
Your slides won’t load, and your class relies on visuals today.
→ What’s your no-tech plan B?
“What is switch to verbal storytelling, use the whiteboard or paper visuals, and focus on interactive discussion or group work to keep engagement high without relying on tech?”
A Student Hasn’t Shown Up for 3 Weeks, Then Arrives Late and Withdrawn
The rest of the team seems cold toward them.
→ Do you intervene? Re-integrate them? Let it be?
“What is welcome them warmly without spotlighting, gently re-engage them with a low-stakes role or check-in, and model inclusive energy to help rebuild trust with the group?”
Your Students Keep Asking, “Is This for a Grade?” Before Everything
You feel like they’re checking out unless there’s a reward.
→ How do you reframe the “why” of the course without shaming them?
“What is acknowledge their concern, then reframe the activity’s value by connecting it to real-world skills, personal growth, or long-term goals—reminding them why the learning matters beyond points?”