During our weekly Level 10 Meeting™, we consistently spend almost all of our IDS® time on the "Identify" and "Discuss" phases, but we rarely reach the "Solve" phase before the ninety minutes are up. How do we break this pattern?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Getting stuck in the "Discuss" phase of the IDS® process is one of the most common issues leadership teams face. It happens because team members love to share their opinions, repeat points that have already been made, and complain about symptoms rather than finding actual solutions. This leads to long, circular conversations that waste valuable time.

To break this pattern, your Integrator or facilitator must strictly manage the meeting rhythm. First, you must spend eighty percent of your time on the "Identify" phase. You cannot solve a problem until you have identified the true root cause. Often, the initial issue listed is just a symptom of a deeper structural or personnel problem. Keep asking questions until you uncover the real issue.

Second, once the real issue is identified, move to "Discuss" and allow everyone to state their piece exactly once. Do not allow team members to repeat themselves or repeat what others have said. If the discussion starts to loop, the facilitator must step in and say, "We have heard all points of view. We are moving to Solve."

Third, the "Solve" phase must result in a concrete action item. This is an item that is assigned to a single owner and added to your To-Do List with a seven-day deadline. A solved issue is not just a mutual agreement to try harder; it is a specific action that will make the issue go away forever.

Our recommendation is to appoint a strong facilitator who is not afraid to interrupt circular discussions and force the team to make a decision.