When a leadership team member actually gives our weekly Level 10 Meeting a low rating like a six or a seven, we panic or get defensive, often rushing past their feedback because we are at the ninety-minute mark. How do we constructively handle and process low meeting ratings at the very end of our agenda without running over time?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

The final agenda item of the Level 10 Meeting is rating the meeting from one to ten. The goal is a consistent average of eight or higher. When a leader gives a rating below an eight, it is a gift, not an attack. Rushing past a low rating to end on time defeats the entire purpose of the exercise. To handle a low rating constructively without blowing past your ninety-minute limit, you need a disciplined process. First, the facilitator must immediately ask the person, What would it have taken to make this meeting an eight or higher? This keeps the focus entirely on actionable improvement. Second, do not allow a debate to break out. The team must simply listen to the feedback. If the explanation reveals a simple fix, like keeping the pace faster or sticking to the IDS process, the team can agree and move on. If the issue is deep-rooted, the facilitator must write down a to-do to address it next week, or drop the meeting dynamics themselves onto next week's Issues List. Never defend the meeting or try to convince the person to change their rating. Accept the feedback, document the lesson, and end the meeting. This creates a safe environment where leaders feel comfortable being honest, ensuring your meeting pulse remains sharp and self-correcting.