We've all been in a meeting where someone get's the floor, introduces a tangential topic, and runs with it taking the meeting far off course. During those times it seems there's no polite way to inform this person they're off topic. There's a simple way to help the group to self-regulate and keep conversation and work directed towards the work session objectives.

Create simple signs with "signals" on them that meeting participants can hold up to signal a participant that it's time to move on. For example a sign that says "tangent" when someone brings up a subject that while it might be interesting, doesn't further the goals of the group.

Common signs include:

• Tangent signaling the speaker that what they're talking about now seems tangential to the objectives of the session. If it's important, offer to capture the information in a parking lot.
• Sold signaling the speaker that you agree with that they're saying and there's no need to belabor the point.
• Too much detail signaling that the detail the speaker is supplying goes into too much depth, at least for now. Let's defer discussing details for another time.
• *No solving" signals that the speaker has moved away from collecting and analyzing information to suggesting design solutions. I usually keep a feed forward bin labeled "great product ideas" posted on the wall. Place these ideas there to visit again later.

Create lots of visible signs

Make sure you create enough signs and place them around a collaborative work table so their visible and easily picked up by anyone in the group.

Group's I've worked with have found that creating signs using foam cups or paper plates is effective. The stick up from the table and don't get lost amid the index cards, sticky notes and pens.

Explain the signaling concept at the outset of your work session

While kicking off the work session explain the purpose of the pace keepers and the meaning of each one. Place blank "signals" out so that participants can invent their own.

This is fun, not offensive

You might be concerned that the person getting signaled could be offended. I find that in practice, when everyone is informed about the technique along with the importance of reaching the work session objective, they respond positively.

Pace keeping signals quickly become a fun element of a work session. It's common for many people to hold up signals at once. Several times I've seen a signal thrown directly at an offending speaker who's not paying attention. I've seen speakers pick up and hold a "tangent" signal as they proceed to go off on a tangent - signaling to everyone else they know they're on one. In response I've seen participants quickly write and hold up a new signal: "uninteresting tangent" to poke fun at the speaker.