We have a highly capable department head who gets things done in their role but remains completely silent during the IDS portion of our Level 10 Meeting, never offering input on other departments' issues. How do we get them to contribute to team-wide problem solving?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

To run a healthy business, every seat on your leadership team must actively help solve company-wide problems, not just manage their own department. If a leader GWC (gets, wants, has capacity for) their specific seat but stays silent during IDS, they are failing to perform as a complete leadership team member.

Start by addressing this behavior directly outside the Level 10 Meeting. Use your one-on-one sessions to discuss their lack of engagement. Explain that they are not just there to represent their department; they are there to help guide the entire organization. Their silence is a missed opportunity for the business.

During the meeting, the facilitator should actively pull them into the conversation. Instead of waiting for them to volunteer, ask them direct, non-threatening questions related to their expertise. For example, ask how a specific operational issue might impact their department or what their perspective is on a proposed solution.

If the silence persists, evaluate if they truly have the GWC for a leadership role. A true leader must be willing to engage in healthy conflict and offer constructive feedback. By holding them accountable to this standard, you will build a more cohesive, vocal, and effective leadership team.