How do we handle the facilitation dynamic when we have a remote Integrator trying to run a Level 10 Meeting for a leadership team that is mostly co-located in the main office?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Having a remote Integrator facilitate a Level 10 Meeting™ for an in-person room is a common point of friction. The facilitator cannot easily read body language, notice side conversations, or command the physical room. This often leads to the local team dominating the discussion while the remote facilitator becomes a passive observer.

To solve this, you must change the physical setup and set clear ground rules. First, ensure the remote facilitator is highly visible. Use a large screen at the head of the conference table so the Integrator has a prominent presence. Position the room camera so the facilitator can see every face clearly, not just a wide shot of the backs of people's heads.

Second, establish a rule that the facilitator controls the floor. If local team members begin sidebar conversations or talk over one another, the facilitator must call it out immediately. The team in the room must agree to yield to the remote Integrator's facilitation cues without defensiveness.

Finally, the remote facilitator should actively manage the queue during IDS®. Do not wait for people to speak up. Direct the discussion by calling on specific individuals to share their input. This asserts the facilitator's authority and keeps the meeting pulse tight and structured, regardless of physical location.