Patterns & Metaphors
Aggressive participant type
Other Names:
Antagonist
Devil's advocate
Disagreer
Template:
Conference participants who tend to take aggressive attitudes towards other members of their group. They use various methods, deflating status of others, strongly expressed disapproval or rejection of others' values, acts or contributions; attacking the very reason for the meeting.
[Advantages] They can be a catalytic challenge to the other members of the group and can stimulate a creative and powerful response. Can be useful to stir up an apathetic or passive group.
[Disadvantages] Can be very distracting and time consuming and they rarely relinquish their role even when they get their own way. They can dominate timid members of the group and have the effect of making some people "clam- up" and say nothing.
