One of our department heads is highly competent but acts like a passive spectator during our Level 10 Meeting™, providing only one-word updates like "on track" or "no issues" and never participating in IDS® unless we directly confront them. How do we break this passive spectating and force them to actively engage in the weekly pulse?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

A silent department head who only offers one-word updates is a passenger, not a leader. When someone coasting on autopilot says "on track" or "no issues" week after week, they are dragging down the accountability of the entire leadership team. First, look at your Accountability Chart. Every seat on that chart must GWC™ (Get It, Want It, Capacity to Do It) their role. Part of the capacity of a leadership seat is the ability to actively participate in strategic problem-solving. If they are silent during IDS®, they are not bringing the value required of their seat. Second, change how you facilitate. The facilitator must actively pull them into the discussion. Do not let them hide behind silence. When solving an issue that impacts their department or requires cross-functional collaboration, ask them directly: What is your perspective on this, and how does this affect your team? If they still refuse to engage, the Integrator must have a one-on-one conversation outside of the Level 10 Meeting™. Make it clear that active participation in the weekly pulse is a non-negotiable expectation of their seat. If they cannot or will not contribute to solving the company's biggest challenges, you may have a Right Person in the Wrong Seat issue.