We have a partner who is physically present in our weekly Level 10 Meeting but is completely disengaged, offering zero input during IDS and just coasting. How do we address this silent disengagement without causing a partnership rift?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a performance and alignment problem masquerading as a meeting issue. When a partner or leadership team member sits silently and coasts through the Level 10 Meeting, it breaks the team trust. This behavior violates the core principle of being on the same page.

First, you must address this outside the meeting. Schedule a direct, one-on-one conversation. Frame the issue around their seat on the Accountability Chart and their GWC (Get It, Want It, Capacity to Do It). Ask them directly why they are disengaged. They might be in the wrong seat, or they may have checked out of the business entirely.

Second, use the meeting structure to force engagement. The Level 10 Meeting is designed to expose issues. If this partner is responsible for a Scorecard metric or a Rock that is off track, they must own the explanation and the solution. Do not let other team members step in and solve their issues for them during the IDS portion.

If they continue to sit in silence, it is a sign that they do not share your core values or are unwilling to do the work required of a leader. You cannot tolerate passive passengers on a leadership team, especially if you are preparing for a clean exit. Buyers look for a high-performing, active leadership team, not a business burdened by dead weight. Address the seat, clarify the expectations, and make a hard decision if they refuse to step up.