During IDS®, we are great at identifying and discussing issues, but when we get to the Solve phase, we end up creating vague, massive to-dos that are too big for one week. How do we break down complex solutions into true, weekly bite-sized tasks?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

A highly common failure point in the Level 10 Meeting™ occurs at the tail end of the IDS® process. Teams will spend forty minutes identifying and discussing a massive problem, only to agree on a vague, monumental solution that cannot possibly be accomplished in a single week. This results in stalled progress and bloated To-Do Lists.

To prevent this, the facilitator must enforce a strict definition of the Solve phase. A solution is not complete until it is translated into one or more highly specific, bite-sized weekly to-dos. Each to-do must be action-oriented, assigned to a single owner, and realistic enough to be completed within seven days.

When a solution is proposed, the facilitator should ask the team: what is the very next action step that can be taken this week? If the answer is a project that will take three weeks, break it down. Assign the first step as this week's to-do.

Ensure every weekly to-do meets these criteria:
- It starts with an active verb, such as draft, call, build, or email.
- It has a single name assigned to it on the Accountability Chart.
- It can be fully completed in less than four hours of focused work.

By keeping your to-dos tactical and bite-sized, you build a steady momentum of execution that keeps your company moving forward week after week.