Someone on your team keeps interrupting in meetings

If you lead the meeting: “Dana, finish explaining the dependency. Then we'll discuss your proposal, Alex.” Follow the same speaking rules yourself.

Later, describe the specific moments in private and ask what Alex was trying to do. If they wanted to resolve the issue quickly, explain which information was missing. If they say they feared forgetting a thought, agree on how to record it while listening. Check whether you invite rapid answers and then criticize people for speaking quickly.

“Let the speaker finish their point and pause before you respond. If there is an urgent correction, ask to interrupt.” A safety warning needs immediate attention; an alternative idea can wait.

If a discreet signal would help, agree on it together. In the next discussion, give Alex a turn after the speaker finishes and use the contribution. Acknowledge improvement privately afterward: “You waited for Dana's constraint, then changed your proposal to account for it.” Check whether people finish their points and contribute information used in the decision.

If someone interrupts you: “I need to finish the dependency first, because it changes which option will work.” If interruptions continue, ask the meeting lead to manage speaking turns.

If the feedback concerns your interruptions, ask which moments the person means. Explain what you were trying to contribute, then try the agreed approach. Ask someone at the next meeting whether you let others finish while contributing what the team needed.