Participants who argue every idea

Your workshop might sometimes contain individuals who contest every idea that is brought to the table. As a first step, it’s a good idea to assume that these participants are well-meaning by nature — they might just be lacking self-awareness. In some cases, participants might also be influenced by the need to “prove their worth” to the room.

Redirect the conversation if this happens occasionally. If it is a recurring issue, approach the participant individually during one of your breaks and try to find out what their expectations from the workshop are.

Hopefully, this should set them back on track by orienting them with the goals of the workshop and providing them with any clarity that is needed. If their belligerent behavior continues despite your intervention and disrupts the workshop, you may finally ask them to leave the room.