How do you handle a situation during a session where a leadership team member is clearly checked out or actively resisting the EOS® tools in front of the rest of the team?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When a leadership team member checks out or resists the process during a session, I address it immediately. As your EOS Implementer®, my job is to observe the dynamics in the room and call out the elephants. I will not allow passive-aggressive behavior or silent resistance to derail the session.

If a leader is on their phone, refusing to participate, or constantly pushing back on the tools, I will pause the agenda. We will use the IDS® tool to identify the root cause of their resistance. Often, resistance stems from fear of exposure, lack of clarity about their seat on the Accountability Chart, or a fundamental disagreement with the company's direction.

We will get the issue out on the table and resolve it as a team. If the individual is simply unwilling to adopt the open and honest healthy behavior required by EOS®, that reality will become obvious to everyone in the room.

We will not ignore the problem to keep the peace. If a leader cannot or will not get on board, it usually means they do not fit the culture or do not have the capacity for their seat. Resolving this during our session day is a win, even if it is uncomfortable, because it forces your team to make the hard decisions necessary for your long-term success.