We are highly efficient at identifying and discussing issues in our Level 10 Meetings, but our Solve step is incredibly weak, resulting in the same issues reappearing on our list week after week. How do we ensure our IDS process leads to permanent, actionable solutions?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Reappearing issues are a clear sign that you are not actually solving problems, but merely talking about them or applying temporary bandages. This is a common failure point in the IDS® process. A true solve must permanently resolve the issue so that it never returns to plague your operations again.

To fix this, the facilitator must enforce a strict discipline at the end of every discussion. Before you move on to the next issue, the team must agree on a concrete, actionable solution that is captured as a weekly To-Do on the list.

A vague agreement like we need to communicate better on pricing is not a solve. It is a sentiment. A real solve is structured as a clear action item with one name accountable, such as John to draft a standardized pricing communication protocol by next Tuesday.

If the solution requires more than a week of work, it is either a Rock or a series of smaller, sequential weekly To-Dos. Make sure the owner of the To-Do verbally agrees to the timeline and clearly understands the expected outcome.

Additionally, ensure you are attacking the root cause of the problem during the Identify stage, not just the surface symptoms. If you do not dig deep, your solutions will always be superficial, and the issue will continue to haunt your weekly meetings.