Build Relationships

The confident contributor is a person with high openness and high knowledge of the subject.  They have done their own research and have at least a fundamental grasp on the topic.  They will often engage with both humility and transparency because they realize they are on a  learning journey. Their comments are often instructive and insightful. Amplify these voices to  further the conversation.  

Inelegant curiosity is exactly that and describes those who are open to learning but have low  knowledge of the subject. They may ask questions that make them sound awkward or ill-informed (because they are). Reward the openness that gives way to inelegant curiosity  because most people are in this quadrant, and many are attempting to become more  knowledgeable about topics they’ve not had to think much about.  

Misguided conjecture is a term we coined to explain the contributions of people who feel  confident in their assertions about a topic but have already made up their minds about it.  Their opinions are often incomplete or biased. When facilitating, you can ask questions to  better understand where they’re coming from while inviting them to think more critically  and broadly about their positions.  

Disrespectful disruptors are people who don’t know much about the topic and don’t want to.  They may resent being in the conversation In the first place and intend to dismiss or disregard  others’ needs or concerns. In these cases, diffuse the negative energy and, if that doesn’t work,  dismiss the individual or risk compromising your purpose and the psychological safety of  others in the space.