During IDS, we waste time because one perfectionist leader refuses to agree that an issue is solved, wanting 100 percent certainty and drag-out debates on a minor issue. How does the facilitator declare an issue solved when there is no unanimous consensus?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Perfectionism is a major contributor to meeting waste. During the IDS phase, some leaders get stuck in analysis paralysis, demanding flawless solutions and complete consensus before they will let an issue go. This drags out simple discussions and prevents you from solving the rest of your weekly list.

In EOS, we do not solve for perfection; we solve for momentum. A good decision today is always better than a perfect decision next month.

The facilitator must manage this by pushing for agreement, not unanimity. Once the issue has been clearly identified and discussed, the team should agree on a clear, actionable next step, which becomes a weekly to-do.

If one leader is still holding out, wanting more data or a more elaborate solution, the Integrator must step in. The Integrator has the ultimate authority to make the call and break the tie. If the Integrator decides that the proposed to-do is a sufficient next step to resolve the operational bottleneck, that is the decision.

The issue is marked as solved, and the to-do is assigned. The perfectionist leader must commit to the decision and support the team. Do not let the pursuit of a flawless solution stop your weekly progress. Solve for eighty percent confidence, assign the action step, and move on to the next issue.