SMART check ins/rambling
Is there a SMART Recovery guideline that affects how facilitators handle initial check-ins?
I’m asking because I’ve noticed a recurring issue in most online meetings. I fully support people having space to get things off their chest, and I understand that many people come to meetings needing to talk. At the same time, it's common for one or two people to take over the check-in portion with very long shares; sometimes 10–12 minutes or more. Then cross-talk starts, the meeting gets pulled off track, and there often isn’t enough time for everyone else to check in.
When that happens, we also rarely get to a dedicated topic or recovery tool, which is one of the main reasons I value SMART meetings.
I don’t want anyone to feel shut down, and I know people are often sharing because they’re struggling. But I also think some structure is needed so the meeting doesn’t become dominated by one or two people. It seems like there should be a tactful way for facilitators to gently redirect or time-limit check-ins while still respecting the person sharing.
I really appreciate SMART, but this pattern is exhausting. I’m curious whether others have noticed this, and whether facilitators are following a specific rule or guideline that makes it difficult to step in.