The action: Try asking in your next meeting, “What is something you know about the problem that would add to our shared knowledge?” The goal is to encourage everyone who has something to say to add to the pool of shared meaning.

The long-form: The expression “pool of shared meaning” comes from Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Swizler. It is a useful idea to move a group from taking opposing positions, to feeling a joint responsibility to share as much information about a problem as possible. Make it safe to add to the group’s understanding of the situation, and encourage an open conversation.

In addition, if you find people repeating past points, you can be even more direct and ask “What is something you believe only you know about this problem?”