Our quarterly planning sessions have turned into boring progress updates where we just read reports instead of solving big strategic problems. How do we get the value back?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When quarterly sessions become boring updates, it means you are not using the IDS® process effectively. You are treating the session like a status report rather than a dynamic problem-solving environment.

To fix this, shift the preparation expectations. All leadership team members must complete their prep work before the session begins. They should read the status reports, review the Scorecard trends, and evaluate their Rock progress ahead of time. Do not waste valuable session time reading updates out loud.

Instead, transition straight into identifying issues. If a Rock is off-track, do not explain why during the update phase. Simply drop it onto the Issues List.

The bulk of your quarterly session should be spent on IDS®: Identify, Discuss, and Solve. This is where you address the systemic issues, structural blocks, and strategic opportunities facing the company.

By clearing out the routine noise, you create the white space needed for high-level discussion. If your team continues to struggle with this transition, an outside EOS Implementer can help refocus the energy of the room, keeping you out of the weeds and focused on true strategic alignment.