Meetings. They can really be something to endure or enjoy at work.
I've sat in a lot that have gone pear-shaped, so if you're facing this on the regular, here's some one-liners that make you sound like a leader and not a control freak:
1️⃣ When someone's dominating the conversation:
"Love the energy here, let's make sure we hear from everyone before we lock anything in. [Name], what's your take?"
Crediting the energy will mean it doesn't come across as a shut-down. And then naming someone right after makes it about including the room, not about them talking too much.
2️⃣ When the conversation's going round in circles:
"Feels like we're circling this a bit, what's the decision we need to make together?"
Or you can also try: "There's a lot of different views here. What's the one question we're actually trying to answer?"
3️⃣ When heads are nodding but you can feel it's not real commitment (Brene Brown calls this the 'dirty yes'):
"What's the part of this you're least sure about?"
This asks what's missing/confusing, not who disagrees. It's easier to offer something unsaid than to challenge a pretend yes everyone's already given. Then stop talking and let the silence open things up.
Give these a try and let me know how you go. Skills like this can be so quick and easy to pick up and change your work day.