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(