Guide, mediate, probe, and stimulate discussion. Monitor talkative members and draw out silent ones. Encourage a clash of ideas, but not of personalities. If emotions run high over a difficult issue, return the floor to a neutral person, seek a purely factual answer, or take a break. In moving toward a decision, call on the least senior or vocal members first to express their views.
Discussions tend to close down after senior members express strong views.
Announce the results of actions taken and explain the follow-up to be taken and by whom. Close the meeting by noting achievements Following adjournment, meet briefly with the staff liaison to agree on follow-up actions and locus of responsibility. Written Report of Committee Meeting Include the date, time, and place of the meeting. Note the name of the chair, members present and absent, and other key people in attendance. Include brief summary of discussions.