An effective strategy in committees to deal with "squashers" is to:

Holding all comments and criticisms until all suggestions are made is an effective strategy when dealing with “squashers” in committee settings. This approach creates a more open and supportive environment for idea generation, allowing all members to share their thoughts without the fear of immediate criticism. By deferring negative feedback, you enable a brainstorming atmosphere where creativity can flourish and all contributions are valued.

This method also allows the group to consider each suggestion fully before engaging in constructive discussion, ensuring that all perspectives are heard. By establishing a rule that encourages the collection of ideas first, you can minimize disruption and promote a sense of collaboration, leading to more thoughtful deliberation and potentially better outcomes for decision-making.

In contrast, directly telling individuals to stop criticizing or interrupting them when they are negative may escalate tensions and create hostility, while removing them from the committee could eliminate valuable insights and further discourage open communication. Therefore, deferring comments until all suggestions are voiced fosters a healthier dynamic for effective collaboration.