Take a break before the meeting breaks

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.