Safety Solutions

Some meetings you just know are going to be confrontational.  Mom's boyfriend gets mad really fast, or maybe the topic is really difficult and the tension in the room is so thick you could cut it with a knife.    It is  these meetings that great care must be applied to make sure it is not only a productive meeting, but also a safe one. Here are a few things to consider:

1. SIT NEAR THE DOOR. Never allow yourself to be trapped with a volatile person between you and the door.  The best way to lock in your seat is to arrive at the meeting room a few minutes prior and "claim your seat" by placing items at the seat nearest the door and put your jacket on the back of the chair.  This simple act sends a clear message to others as they arrive that your seat is taken.
2. DON'T BE A LONE RANGER.  These types of meetings should never be handled alone.  Even the Lone Ranger had his faithful partner, Tonto.  Coordinate with coworkers and building administrators to make sure the right people are in the room or near the room and are quickly able to respond should the situation escalate and intervention is needed. 
3. PRE-DETERMINE TIPPING POINTS.  "If they do this...then I give myself permission to..."  Take a few minutes and think about how you would respond if a parent stands up and leans over  you while yelling and pointing his finger in your face in a threatening manner.  When the adrenalin is rushing and you are trying to keep your emotions in check it is not a good time to figure it out.  By deciding where the tipping points are when you are calm and rational it helps you respond when things heat up. 

   Be sure to take care of yourself.  Place the safety of yourself and others as the highest priority.  If you would like to learn more about creating safe meetings call us or email.  we would love to talk with you.

This is John Baker for safetysolutions4schools.com.

image courtesy of