Hidden agenda: don't let under-the-radar issues sink your meeting.

• Position: Special Section - Calendar

Holding a successful meeting can sometime require more than simply hitting all the agenda items. Sometimes, hidden issues can subtly obstruct any progress. Breck England, senior product architect at FranldinCovey, calls them "iceberg issues"--the problems below the surface that can derail a meeting or even an entire company.

England contrasts two corporate meetings that illustrate this crucial lesson about meetings and management.

The first meeting occurred at a company that had recently fired a well-liked employee. He had been known for trying to improve the company, even when it meant challenging company leaders. Those left behind were not happy about the decision, and in the next staff meeting, their body language showed it. Their arms were folded, jaws were set and eyes were narrowed. Despite these clear signs, the manager insisted on hitting each of his agenda points, while refusing to address his employees' concerns. They stayed angry, nothing was accomplished and the employees' resentment grew.

The second meeting took place at a different company...