During IDS®, the person who raised the issue often defines both the problem and their preferred solution, leading the team down a narrow rabbit hole without exploring alternative viewpoints. How does the facilitator break this monopoly on the problem?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When the person who raises an issue also defines the solution, they bypass the core strength of the leadership team. This monopoly prevents other leaders from offering diverse perspectives and often results in patching a symptom rather than solving the actual root cause.

To break this habit, the facilitator must enforce a clear boundary between the Identify phase and the Solve phase of IDS®. When you reach an issue on the list, do not let the owner start explaining how to fix it.

Instead, ask the owner to state the issue in one short, clear sentence. Then, turn to the rest of the leadership team and ask if they agree that this is the real issue.

Do not allow anyone to propose a solution until the entire team is in agreement on the root cause. Often, the real issue is completely different from what was originally written on the list.

Once the issue is clearly defined and agreed upon, open the floor for discussion. This structured approach prevents the issue creator from dominating the narrative, ensures a healthier debate, and leads to more robust, permanent solutions.