Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to an employee who dominates meetings
Read the approach below, or skip ahead and get a plan written for your own situation.
Plan my conversation — free ↓Why the usual approach fails
Managers tend to cut them off in the moment, which embarrasses them, or say nothing, which quietly tells everyone else their ideas matter less. Usually this person cares a lot. The aim is to point that energy at drawing others in, not to make them smaller.
How to open
"You bring a lot of energy to our meetings and I don't want to lose it. I've noticed that in the last few meetings you've spoken first on most topics, and some of the team haven't said much. I'd like to talk about that with you."
Ask before you tell
- "How do our meetings feel from where you sit?"
- "What do you notice the quieter people doing?"
- "How could you use your influence to bring others in?"
What to agree before you leave the room
One habit, for example asking a colleague's view before giving their own on each topic, and a check-in after the next two meetings.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
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Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com