During the discuss portion of IDS, our team constantly drifts from the actual root cause into unrelated operational rabbit trails, leaving us with half-solved issues and wasted time. How do we keep the conversation locked on the specific issue we prioritized?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Agenda drift during the Discuss phase of IDS is a failure of facilitation and a violation of the Same Page pillar of Our Charter. It happens because team members focus on symptoms or use the issue as a launching pad to air unrelated grievances. To stop this waste, the facilitator must become an aggressive gatekeeper of the clock and the topic.

First, before anyone speaks, the person who raised the issue must clearly state the root cause in one sentence. Do not allow them to tell a long story. The facilitator must ask: What is the real issue? Once the root cause is defined and agreed upon by the team, that is the only topic on the table.

Second, when a team member begins to drift into another operational area, the facilitator must immediately interrupt. Use the phrase: That is a separate issue, does it need to go on the Issues List? If yes, drop it on the bottom of the list and immediately bring the team back to the primary issue. Do not apologize for interrupting. You are protecting the ninety-minute box.

Third, remember that Discuss is only for sharing unique perspectives that shed light on a solution. It is not an invitation for everyone to repeat the same point in different words. Once everyone has stated their peace once, move immediately to Solve. If the team starts talking in circles, the facilitator must force a decision. A good facilitator is not polite; they are effective. Keep the team focused on the root cause, drive to a clear to-do, and move to the next item.