Something that is misleading or distracting from a relevant topic or important discussion can often lengthen discussions and delay conclusions.
A red herring may be an unintentional logical fallacy or in some cases, it could be a purposeful misdirection (e.g., a literary device that leads readers or audiences toward a false conclusion).
Staying on Track
Recognizing and highlighting red herrings during an earnest discussion (whether group or individual) is a key facilitation skill. Identification of a red herring is the first step to calling a halt.
Unfortunately, however well-intentioned misleading distractions only make achieving acceptable conclusions more difficult and can even lead to lower quality results.
Keeping a discussion on target is not only a helpful skill but can be critical to achieving a successful resolution to the topic under review.
Focus on the Objective
There can be some subjective analysis as to whether points raised constitute a red herring. Most likely the progenitor of the comment considers it both important and valid.
Identifying red herrings in a way the discussion does not get derailed or “go down a rat hole” is an important skill. Be gentle, not adversarial. Focus on the objective.
The discussion has a purpose and objective. Red Herrings may be valid points but the key is they do not focus on the purpose nor are they likely to help achieve the objective.
Identifying and disarming discussions that are getting off track (missing the purpose and objective) can be done most effectively by reiterating the goal.
Use care though that your intervention is facilitative and not argumentative.
