Pascale Bourne

Dealing with Egos in Meetings: How to Stay in Control Without the Power Struggle

This great topic about navigating egos and keeping meetings on track came up in our Corporate Climate Shift Conversation last week. We’ve all been there—someone dominates the discussion, derails the agenda, or turns it into a personal platform. So, how do you handle it? Here are three key strategies:

✅ Set the Stage – Let attendees know upfront how and when you want to receive questions or feedback. Clear expectations = smoother discussions.

✅ Use the Right Prompt – Instead of asking, “Any questions?” (which can invite interruptions), shift to “What questions can I answer for you?” when you’re ready to take them. This keeps you in control of the flow.

✅ Address Repeat Offenders Early – If someone consistently takes over, reach out before the meeting. Ask for their input on key topics and acknowledge their perspective in the meeting. This gives them a voice—on your terms.

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#Leadership #MeetingsThatMatter #CorporateCulture #CommunicationSkills #ExecutivePresence