Our team is doing the opposite of hiding issues; they are dumping positive customer feedback, simple administrative updates, and routine announcements directly onto the Issues List, clogging our IDS block with things that do not need solving. How do we keep our Issues List strictly for real problems?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

An Issues List clogged with non-issues is a sign of a team that does not understand the difference between a headline and an issue. A headline is information your team needs to know, whether it is good or bad, but it requires zero action or discussion. An issue is an obstacle, an opportunity, a question, or a problem that requires your leadership team to identify, discuss, and solve. When you mix the two, you dilute your focus and run out of time for critical problem-solving.

To clean up your list, the facilitator must run a strict gatekeeping process. During the headlines portion of your Level 10 Meeting™, any update that is shared should be acknowledged and dropped. If a leader tries to put a simple announcement or a positive customer quote on the Issues List, the facilitator should immediately challenge them. Ask them what needs to be solved. If the answer is nothing, delete the item from the list.

Remind your team that the Issues List is not a notice board. If an item does not require a decision, a policy change, or a weekly to-do to resolve, it has no business being on the Issues List. Keep your IDS® block reserved for the heavy lifting that actually moves the business forward and prepares you for a clean exit.