Regrouping after breaks

A body in motion tends to stay in motion. A body at rest tends to stay at rest. Similarly, a group of bodies on break tends to stay on break. If you are a part of longer meetings, regrouping after a break can be one of the hardest things you will do. If this is a problem you have encountered, try some of the following:

• Make sure that the breaks are long enough when you are designing a meeting. Groups don’t like being pushed too hard. Like machines, they need time for refueling and maintenance.

• At the beginning of the break ask the group if the amount of time allocated is sufficient. If it is hold them to the time. Don’t wait for latecomers.

• Plan to do fun things after breaks to motivate people to return. Games, movie clips, fun warm ups and chocolate are a few ideas.

• At times our hoarse facilitator’s voice whining, “It’s time to start” is actually counterproductive. Look for a nice sounding chime, meditation bell, or music as a signal for the group to return. They will appreciate it and you won’t have to nag.

• If you are facilitating a group you are not a part of, ask the person who hired you to help refocus the group. Sometimes the authority of the boss can be helpful.

• If the group does not respond to any of these suggestions, they may not be invested in the topic. Ask them what, if anything, could help them return on time. Use this last suggestion with caution, however, as no group wants to feel scolded.

• Even with all of these suggestions, expect some tension about getting a group to regroup to continue. A group of bodies on break tends to stay on break.

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