Page 38 - Branch Leader Guide

Branch Leader Guide

If the dominating behavior continues after you've tried these ideas and you have spoken
with the dominating person privately, continue to divert the conversation away from
him/her during that meeting and have another private conversation with him/her, giving a
reminder of your earlier conversation and again asking for help and cooperation.

Although the ultimate task is to quiet the person down so that others can speak, the
above suggestions are only a stopgap. These techniques may be helpful in the short
term, but they will not change the underlying issue of what makes a person speak so
much. The dominating person is more than likely to repeat the pattern. If you continue
to be the only one to stop the individual from talking, the group is likely to become less
free in its responses, in general. The whole group needs to be involved and if your
members continue to leave the issue for you alone to deal with, investigate further by
becoming curious about why that is.

Overall, dominance is one of the toughest issues for most group leaders. These
methods take practice, so don't be discouraged if you don't master them immediately.
Each time you practice them, you will become more comfortable and more empowered
to look out for the health of the group as a whole.

Depression

We all go through ups and downs in our moods. Sadness is a normal reaction to life's
struggles, setbacks and disappointments. Depression is much more than sadness,
though. Some people describe depression as "living in a black hole” or “having a feeling
of impending doom.” However, depression doesn’t always manifest as sadness. Some
people may feel lifeless, empty or apathetic. Men in particular may even feel angry,
aggressive and restless. Depression is different than normal sadness in that it engulfs
your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep and have fun.
The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness are intense and
unrelenting, with little if any relief. Symptoms of depression include: inability to sleep or
sleeping too much, inability to concentrate, finding previously easy tasks difficult, feeling
hopeless and helpless, inability to control negative thoughts, loss of appetite or
overeating, irritability, being more short-tempered than usual, consuming more alcohol or
engaging in reckless behavior, having thoughts that life is not worth living and self-
loathing.

When to Suggest Individual Counseling
Some branch members may appear depressed and seem to take up much of the
group’s time. Although they receive support from the group, they often give the
impression that it is not enough. If allowed to continue, these members can drain the
group’s energy.

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