Several members of our leadership team stay completely silent during the IDS® portion of our Level 10 Meeting™, but then they hold private sidebar conversations afterward to complain about the decisions we made. How do we shut down this passive-aggressive behavior and force them to speak up in the room?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When leadership team members remain silent during the Level 10 Meeting™ but voice their objections afterward, they are violating the foundational principle of trust. In a healthy company, we must be open and honest. The meeting after the meeting is a symptom of low trust or fear of conflict, and it will destroy your team dynamic if left unchecked.

First, the Integrator must address this behavior directly outside of the meeting during a one-on-one session. Let the individual know that their silence during IDS® followed by offline complaining is unacceptable. Remind them of the Charter covenant: we discuss issues openly, we disagree when necessary, and once a decision is made, we support it with one voice.

Second, during the Level 10 Meeting™ itself, the facilitator must actively pull these silent leaders into the conversation. If you are discussing an issue that impacts their department and they are silent, call them out. Ask them directly for their perspective. Do not let them off the hook with a shrug or a simple agreement.

Finally, if a silent leader refuses to engage in the room but continues to undermine decisions afterward, it is a People Who Fit issue. You must evaluate whether they truly share your Core Values and if they have the capacity to operate as a high-performing leader in their seat on the Accountability Chart.