Anger Management

MKT2020 and Sally and I were working with the groups on their exhibition plans. Sally was talking to them about process and research, I was doing customer experience, creativity and impact. I got to Tash/Jack/Naj (Corbyn was missing as usual).

Tash and Jack were having a heated debate as I arrived, and continued their argument as I sat down ready to discuss their plan and give feedback. This was not unusual. They know each other very well, and Tash has a quite forceful communication style. Jack can be similarly stubborn. They did not stop and I indicated to Naj jokingly about their continuing row. He looked resigned and said 'this always happens'. In the end I interrupted them and asked them to explain their exhibition concept.

Tash had planned something out on her PC and launched into a huge speech. I tried to ask questions along the way but she talked over the top of me for some time - her point was about their planned use of 2 laptops - she was concerned that since there were 4 in the team, only 2 laptops would leave the other 2 with no visual aid.

When I could finally get a word in I said the same as I had said to the other groups; they needed to remember that the most compelling thing on the stand was themselves and they should all prepare to speak without over-reliance on props.

Tash went into a big huff. She didn't say anything, but closed her laptop, folded her arms and turned her body away from the group, looking furious. I carried on asking questions and discussing the idea, addressing all 3 of them. Tash refused to look at me or join in the discussion. After a few minutes I touched her arm and asked her what was wrong. She said 'I'm stewing. What you just said is exactly what I have been trying to say!!!'. (Bizarrely she was AGREEING with me!) . She and Jack then resumed their argument, but more angrily than before. I judged their (her) behaviour unreasonable and said I wasn't going to continue and they needed to sort themselves out so I got up and moved away to talk to another group.

I then went back to talk to the group about 15 minutes later and was able to have a sensible conversation this time.

I am left wondering whether I need to have a discussion with Tash. I am her personal tutor and am worried about her confrontational style. When she goes out to work this behaviour will not work in her favour.

I spoke to Sally afterwards and she felt I handled it correctly. Still not sure whether to take it further with Tash though. Or let sleeping dogs lie.