Capture proposals
When you hear proposed solutions from either party (see the “Fostering Brainstorming” section later in this chapter), summarize the important points and frame them in language that’s easy for the other party to digest. Ask the other party what she likes or doesn’t like about the proposal, whether she accepts it as is, or if she’d like to make a counter proposal.
Make note of any possible proposals you hear that the employees may not be quite ready to offer. Doing so gives you a reference point down the road, when they begin to make a little more progress. I sometimes ask if I can jot down a word or two next to the agenda item the two are discussing as something they might discuss later in the meeting.