We have a highly technical leader on our team who is brilliant in their seat but stays silent during IDS because they are constantly talked over by our louder, more assertive sales and marketing heads. How do we ensure our quiet subject-matter experts actually get heard during problem-solving?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When your loudest leaders dominate the IDS portion of the Level 10 Meeting, you are making decisions based on volume rather than value. This is a massive risk, especially when preparing for a clean exit where operational integrity and risk management are paramount.

To solve this, the facilitator must change how they manage the floor. Instead of allowing an open mic format where the fastest talker wins, use a structured round-robin approach for high-priority issues. Once an issue is identified and clarified, the facilitator should explicitly invite the silent expert to speak first. Use a direct prompt such as asking for their specific technical perspective on the issue before anyone else weighs in.

Additionally, implement a silent brainstorming technique before open discussion begins. Give the team two minutes of absolute silence to write down their thoughts or proposed solutions in your meeting software. This levels the playing field for introverted leaders who need time to process and formulate their thoughts rather than reacting on impulse.

Finally, hold your louder leaders accountable. If someone interrupts or talks over the quieter expert, the facilitator must step in immediately and pause the interrupter. Remind the team that every perspective is required to truly solve the issue at its root. If a leader GWC their seat on the Accountability Chart, their voice must be active in the room.