We are highly efficient at solving weekly issues in our Level 10 Meetings™, but we realize many of our solutions are quick tactical fixes that actually conflict with our long-term V/TO® and Core Focus. How do we keep our weekly IDS® aligned with our strategic vision without slowing down our execution?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

It is easy to get so caught up in the urgency of weekly firefighting that you solve problems in a way that actually derails your long-term strategy. If your weekly fixes do not align with your V/TO, you are slowly steering your company off course.

To prevent this, make your V/TO a visible, active tool during IDS. Before you begin solving a major issue, the facilitator should ask a simple filtering question: does this proposed solution align with our Core Focus, our Core Values, and our strategic goals?

If a solution solves a short-term headache but violates a Core Value or pulls you away from your Core Focus, it is the wrong solution. For example, if you solve a capacity issue by taking on a client that does not fit your ideal customer profile, you are creating future drag just to get through the week.

The Integrator must act as the guardian of the V/TO during the meeting. If a discussion begins drifting toward a solution that compromises your long-term plan, the Integrator must call a timeout.

Aligning weekly execution with strategic vision does not have to slow you down. It actually speeds you up by immediately eliminating options that do not fit who you are and where you are going.