People skills++

When someone’s viewpoint is entrenched, pushing back often makes them dig in further.

Try this instead:

👉 Offer a more extreme version of their viewpoint

For example:

“If this isn’t working, should we stop it completely?”
“If the timeline is unrealistic, should we cancel the project?”
“If the work isn’t good enough, should we withdraw it entirely?”

Do this and they’re more likely to soften their stance. They’re more likely to move to the middle ground. 

You’re not arguing. You’re not disagreeing. You’re enabling them to rethink.

Push the argument to the extreme. Let them recalibrate.

When emotions rise, discussions start looping or opinions clash… don’t push through. You mustn’t mistake momentum for progress.

Instead, call a five-minute break.

Short breaks lower tension. They interrupt unhelpful patterns. They give people space to think rather than react.

When you return, restate the meeting objective and clarify the decisions you all need to make. Then, continue.

You’ll often get calmer contributions, clearer thinking and faster agreement.

Don’t wait until frustration sets in.

Take a break before the meeting breaks.