Always go back to the purpose, objective or goal

It's easy to get carried away with discussions and ideas generated.. And loose track of the main purpose of the project or task on hand. Whenever, the discussion seemed to drag or lost its focus, i would always raise the question on what is the purpose of doing this in the first place! And nine out of ten times it works! And people will re-align back.. The tenth that didnt work usually meant the people you are teaming with really are problematic!! Or.. perhaps the purpose really needs re-examination! ;P