What do you do when a group gets stuck?

Resistance. Tension. Disruptive behaviours. Challenging group dynamics are part of the reality of facilitation, but they don’t have to derail the conversation.

The latest episode of Facilitation Stories, the podcast from IAF England and Wales exploring the people, practices, and experiences behind facilitation, invites us to take a closer look at these challenging moments and reflect on what they can teach us.

In this August episode, facilitator Alan Heckman draws on more than 20 years of facilitation experience to explore how we can respond when group dynamics become difficult. In “Dealing with Disruptive Behaviours,” Alan shares practical insights into navigating resistance and tension while creating spaces where people can reconnect, contribute, and move forward.

Rather than viewing challenging behaviours simply as obstacles, the episode explores how facilitators can use participatory methods, authentic engagement, and thoughtful intervention to understand what is happening within the group and help shift the conversation.

Because sometimes, the most difficult moments in a group can also become opportunities for deeper collaboration.

Whether you’re an experienced facilitator or simply interested in how groups work, this episode offers practical reflections to take into your next conversation, meeting, or facilitated process.

Listen now to Facilitation Stories: Dealing with Disruptive Behaviours with Alan Heckman.

And as you listen, consider:

What’s one challenging group dynamic you’ve learned the most from?