Managing Monsters in Meetings – Part 3, Drifting From the Topic
Although new ideas lead to creative solutions, they can be a challenge when they
interrupt or distract the work on an issue.
Approach 1: Question the relationship to topic
When new ideas seem inappropriate, say:
“That’s an interesting point (or question). And how does it relate to our topic?”
“Excuse me. We started talking about our budget and now we seem to be discussing
payroll administration. Is this what we want to work on?”
“We seem to be working on a new issue. I’m sure this is important, and I wonder
what you want to work on with the time we have left?”
These statements greet the ideas with compliments and requests for clarification.
This recognizes that the other person could believe the idea relates to the topic,
which it may.
Approach 2: Place in the Idea Bin
Use an Idea Bin to manage unrelated ideas. This powerful tool is a blank chart page
posted on the wall with the title: Idea Bin. Some groups call it an Issue Bin or Parking
Lot. The scribe writes new ideas on this chart page or the participants write their
ideas on Post-it(