We are bringing on new middle managers who have never run an EOS Level 10 Meeting™ before. What is the fastest way to onboard them so they do not drag down our meeting efficiency?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Onboarding new managers to the Level 10 Meeting requires a structured process. You cannot expect them to understand the rhythm, discipline, and level of conflict required just by sitting in the room. If you do not onboard them properly, they will bring old habits like status-reporting, politeness, and agenda-drifting into your pristine meeting structure.

First, have them read the essential EOS books and watch a video of a world-class Level 10 Meeting. This gives them a clear mental model of what a high-performing meeting looks like.

Second, have them sit in on your leadership team's Level 10 Meeting as a silent observer for two weeks. This allows them to witness healthy conflict, see how IDS works in practice, and observe how the facilitator manages the time.

Third, pair them with an experienced leader who can act as their meeting mentor. This mentor can debrief with them for ten minutes after their first few meetings, explaining why certain issues were handled the way they were and providing feedback on their participation.

By investing this small amount of time upfront, you protect the integrity of your meetings. You ensure that new managers quickly adapt to your culture of high accountability, open communication, and absolute focus on traction.