How do we use the Issues list in our weekly Level 10 Meeting™ to identify when our Core Focus is being violated by new business development projects?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

New business development projects can easily become shiny objects that distract your team from your core business. If you are not careful, these projects will slowly drain your resources and compromise your operational efficiency. You must use your weekly Level 10 Meeting to protect your Core Focus.

To do this, create a specific filter for your weekly Issues list. When a new project or opportunity is introduced during IDS, the facilitator must ask a simple question: does this project align with our Core Focus as defined on our V/TO?

If the project does not fit your Passion or Niche, it must be killed immediately or moved to the long-term issues list for deeper strategic review during your next quarterly session. Do not allow the team to spend valuable weekly time planning or executing a project that deviates from your core business.

By enforcing this rule, you train your leadership team to evaluate every new opportunity through the lens of your strategic plan. It prevents the slow, silent drift that occurs when a company tries to be all things to all clients. Protecting your Core Focus at the weekly level ensures that your team remains aligned, efficient, and focused on high-leverage growth.