I teach in a setting where all of our classes are basically cohort groups. One of the most difficult challenges I have had is that I tend to be the instructor that everyone respects, but I can be a little "hard-lined" when it comes to certain rules and guidelines. And I always seem to get groups right after they have had a class with the "buddy- instructor". That instructor (we all know one) who is far more concerned with being everyone's friend, so that he/she doesn't upset anyone... This is a tremendous challenge at times, because the minute they walk in the class they have a preconceived notion of "oh great, now we gotta deal with Him". Fortunately by the end of the third or fourth week, they realize that they have learned a considerable amount, and that it's actually not a bad thing to have a more structured environment. So, I guess my point here is, if you find yourself in this situation, focus on the fact that you ARE a good instructor. And that you have knowledge that they want. Things will turn around for you if you always focus on the learning!!!