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The workplace is evolving fast. Are you keeping pace? From talent shortages to shifting compliance requirements, the pressure is on to make smart, forward-thinking moves. That’s where Ask the Expert comes in. Each month, we address timely questions about navigating complex hiring and workforce challenges. Think of us as your trusted resource for actionable insight in a time of change. 

Have a question? Send it in and we may feature it in a future column. 

Let's dive into this month’s question. 

“How Can We Keep Meetings on Track (Without Offending Ramblers)?” 

Unfortunately, this is a common experience. We’ve all been there. You’re in a meeting, agenda in hand, feeling optimistic about staying on track. And then—it happens. Someone launches into a long-winded story about their weekend or an unrelated tangent about a project from five years ago. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. Your once-productive meeting is spiraling into chaos. You want engagement, not endless detours. Here’s how to keep things on track without shutting people down. 

1. Set Clear Expectations 

Nobody likes being policed, but structure helps. Set expectations in advance. For example: 

• We’ve got 30 minutes—let’s keep it focused. 

• Let’s respect everyone’s time. 

• I’ll guide us back if we veer off track. (Aka: I will cut you off if needed.) 

2. Use (and Enforce) the Agenda 

Agendas aren’t just for show—they're your best defense against rambling. Distribute a clear agenda before the meeting and use it to keep discussions focused: 

• “Great point, Jeff! Let’s tie that into our next item.” 

• “Love the enthusiasm! Let’s table that for later.” 

3. Master the Gentle Interruption 

Cutting people off can feel rude. Done right, it can be a relief (for everyone else, at least). Here’s how to do it: 

• Summarize and redirect: “The key takeaway is [X]. Let’s move to [next topic].” 

• Asking a direct question: “How does that fit into [specific agenda item]?” 

• Using humor: “We took a scenic route—let’s get back on track!” 

4. Establish an Idea Bank 

Some ideas deserve discussion—just not now. Keep an Idea Bank so people feel heard, while the discussion stays focused. 

5. Encourage Concise Contributions 

Rambling can happen when one person dominates the conversation. This leads to others tuning out. Structure meetings to encourage participation: 

• Round-robin sharing with a set time for each person. 

• Quick one-sentence takeaways. 

• Timed brainstorming sessions. 

6. Handle Repeat Offenders 

If you have a habitual rambler (we all know one), consider a private, friendly conversation. Frame it to make their insights more impactful: 

• “Your insights are valuable, but we often run out of time. Let’s work on keeping points brief so everyone gets a chance.” 

Wrapping It Up—Without Rambling (See What We Did There?) 

Meetings don’t have to feel like an endless waste of time. A little finesse keeps them productive. 

Set expectations, structure discussions, and tactfully guide conversations back on track. 

And if all else fails? There’s the universally understood signal of looking at your watch and dramatically sighing. (Kidding! Mostly.) 

How do you keep your meetings productive and focused? Let’s swap notes in the comments!  Check out more tips and insights on our blog, website, LinkedIn, or just reach out.