Talk about the Elephant
How often is a question, agenda, or controversial topic obvious to all yet deliberately left unaddressed? Elephants are big and there's usually one, or more, in the room. Don't pretend they're not there. Invite them to the table and talk.
Elephants can be dealt with if everyone in the room:
Respects agreements and decisions
Listens actively
Deals with big looming issues
Respects different viewpoints
Acknowledges obvious truths
Leaves agendas at the door
Agrees to disagree
Debates constructively
Speaks plainly