Our short-term issues list is constantly cluttered with items that are actually just FYI updates or informational announcements rather than real problems that need to be solved. How do we keep these informational non-issues off our Level 10 Meeting™ agenda to save our IDS® time for real problem-solving?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When your short-term issues list is clogged with informational updates and FYIs, your weekly Level 10 Meeting™ lose their strategic punch. This waste happens because team members do not understand the difference between an issue that needs solving and an update that can be shared elsewhere.

An issue in EOS® is defined as an obstacle, opportunity, or idea that requires a decision or action from the team. If an item on the list does not require discussion, a decision, or a solution, it has no business being on the issues list.

To eliminate this waste, the facilitator must audit the issues list before the meeting or during the transition. If someone adds an informational item, the facilitator should address it immediately.

Ask the person who listed it:

- What is the specific problem you need the team to solve here, or is this just an update?

If it is just an update, instruct them to move it to the Employee/Customer Headlines section, or share it via email or Slack. Keep the short-term issues list strictly reserved for real problems that require active IDS®. This simple filter protects your ninety minutes and ensures your team is focusing their energy on high-value execution.