We frequently assign To-Dos during IDS® to solve a problem, but the assigned leader fails to execute the task because they realize mid-week they lack the decision-making authority to implement the agreed-upon solution. How do we ensure that every solution decided in our Level 10 Meeting™ is backed by clear authority before we assign the final To-Do?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

It is highly frustrating when a team agrees on a solution during IDS®, only for the To-Do to sit undone because the assignee realized mid-week they did not have the authority to execute it. This is a failure of facilitation and a lack of clarity around the Accountability Chart.

To stop this, the facilitator must ensure that every solution decided during IDS® is backed by the appropriate decision-making authority before the meeting ends. When a To-Do is about to be assigned, the facilitator must ask a simple question: Does the assignee have the authority, resources, and GWC™ to complete this task without needing further approval?

If the answer is no, the solution is not fully cooked. You must either adjust the To-Do so it falls within the assignee's authority, or assign the To-Do to the leader who does have the authority to make the decision.

Never let a leader walk out of the room with a task that requires them to ask for permission later. By confirming authority before assigning the To-Do, you eliminate mid-week bottlenecks and ensure that when a leader says they will get something done, they actually have the power to do it.