Our team consistently gets stuck on the first two issues during the IDS portion of our Level 10 Meeting and we never make it down the rest of the list, leaving critical tactical items to sit for weeks. How do we speed up our issue resolution without rushing?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Getting stuck on the first few issues is a classic sign of a team that is discussing rather than solving. In EOS®, the IDS® process stands for Identify, Discuss, and Solve. Most teams spend eighty percent of their time in the Discuss phase, repeating the same points, sharing anecdotes, and engaging in circular debates.

To break this stagnation, the facilitator must force the team through the track with speed and discipline. First, spend more time on Identify. Often, a team gets stuck discussing a symptom because they have not identified the actual root cause of the problem. Once the root issue is clearly stated, move directly to Discuss.

Limit the discussion to only new information. If a leader starts restating what has already been said, the facilitator must cut them off and ask: Is there any new perspective on this?

Second, pivot immediately to Solve once the paths forward are clear. Do not wait for absolute consensus if it is causing paralysis. The leader who owns the seat associated with the issue must make the call, or the Integrator must make the final decision. Once a solution is decided, assign a clear, actionable to-do with a single owner, and move on. By cutting out redundant discussion and forcing quick, decisive action, you will easily clear your issues list.