Avoiding the Negative Discussion Spiral

Facilitators put time, care, and effort into crafting an engaging agenda. With so many moving parts, it’s a skill to keep everything moving and discussions on track. That’s why it’s good to be aware of various pitfalls that can undermine the energy and impact of an event. One of the most destructive patterns to be aware of is — the negative discussion spiral.

When there’s a packed agenda, people can get tired; and stress and fatigue are powerful emotions. If the conversation goes on long enough, it’s easy for a negative topic to be brought up. While there’s nothing wrong with discussing problems, it’s important to know that stressful topics can spark a reaction. Once that spark gets lit, it can be difficult to manage.

Now, just because something is negative, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be discussed. It is important for charged topics to have space. However, as a facilitator, it’s crucial to be aware of when these conversations happen. While each agenda is going to have unique factors at play, the main thing to remember — is not to end your event in a negative spiral. That’s because the feeling people have at the conclusion of an event, is the feeling that lasts the longest.

If a negative spiral starts, it’s important for facilitators to be aware of the clock. If you realize there’s not much time left before the event ends, add a new question or reflection into the space. That way, there’s still time to pivot. If there isn’t a lot of time left, it might be better to diffuse the conversation by taking a moment to share a reflection or recap of the material covered throughout the entire day. Help bring people’s attention to the other parts that you actually want them to remember.

Timing is important. While discussions will fluctuate, you don’t want a negative topic to override an event. Be aware of the clock and always be sure to end an event in a thoughtful and impactful way.

Author: Bri McWhorter, MFA
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