Anyone who works with groups and teams, regardless of their size, has experienced it at some point: things aren't going smoothly. The mood is sinking. There is resistance. No progress is being made. Strong emotions are becoming apparent. You become nervous and uncertain.

What can you do when things get stuck in the process? When the mood turns sour and tempers flare.

We have gathered a few ideas and experiences.

Meanwhile:

• Clearing the air – hold a discussion in which everyone has the opportunity to say how they are feeling when you sense that the mood is changing.
• Suggest an exercise to refocus attention on the meeting.
• If it is a person who is particularly in need, ensure that they receive support.
• Take a break.
• Ask what is needed.
• Name the feelings in the room.
• Remind each other of what is going well.
• Refocus on the topic.
• Remember that you are always a role model.
• Arrange containers/places/times where difficulties can be discussed.
• Use methods/exercises with which you are very familiar.
• Trust the process and the system.
• Provide a (new) framework, offer alternative interpretations of the situation.
• Practice what you preach – do what you say.
• Write down what is troubling you on a small piece of paper and put it in your pocket.
• Offer topic storage.
• Describe what someone does, rather than how it is done.

Preventative:

• Do not moderate alone.
• Make clear arrangements beforehand.

What else can you think of?