Our Integrator facilitates our Level 10 Meeting but struggles to remain neutral because they are also responsible for executing the majority of our operational solutions. How does an Integrator balance the role of objective facilitator with being an active contributor during IDS?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

The Integrator is responsible for driving the execution of the business, which often makes them the loudest voice during problem-solving. However, when the Integrator is also facilitating the Level 10 Meeting™, they can easily dominate the discussion, losing their objectivity and shutting down the rest of the leadership team.

To solve this, the Integrator must separate their facilitator role from their operational seat. When facilitating, your job is strictly to manage the agenda, keep the energy high, and guide the team through the IDS® process. You must remain neutral, asking open-ended questions and ensuring all voices are heard before offering your own opinion.

If a critical issue arises where you must advocate strongly for a specific solution, verbally hand off the facilitator role for that discussion. State clearly to the team that you are stepping out of the facilitator seat to speak as the Integrator. This visual and mental cue helps the team understand your change in perspective.

Alternatively, you can delegate the facilitator role to another leadership team member permanently or on a rotating basis. This allows the Integrator to participate fully in IDS® without the administrative burden of running the clock. This structure supports your company charter by building shared accountability and ensuring the team does not rely solely on one person to drive the meeting.