People cling to preconceived ideas Try to listen to the voice of the customer. Ensure that there's a firm grasp on what the customer needs and expects. Play devil's advocate. Always seek out win-win opportunities. Emphasize what it will take to achieve the overall mission.
Conversation goes off on tangents Use a parking lot.
Point to the team's intended outcomes and ask whether the current conversation helpts take you there. Set clear intended outcomes for each session. Develop tight agendas. Use a proactive facilitation approach. Make sure deadlines are realistic.