We are checking off our Level 10 Meeting™ to-dos, but we realize we are just treating the symptoms of our issues rather than finding the actual root cause during IDS®. How do we train the team to dig deeper?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Checking off to-dos that only solve symptoms is a waste of energy because those issues will inevitably return to your list. This happens when the team rushes from identification to solving without spending enough time on discussion.

To train your team to dig deeper, the facilitator must slow down the identify phase of IDS®. When an issue is raised, do not let anyone propose a solution immediately. Instead, use the five whys technique.

Ask the owner of the issue why the problem occurred. Once they answer, ask why that sub-problem occurred, and repeat this process five times.

For example, if the issue is a missed sales target, the root cause is rarely just poor performance. It might be a broken lead hand-off process, a technical glitch in the CRM, or lack of training.

The facilitator must keep pushing until the team identifies the specific person, process, or system that broke down on the Accountability Chart. Only when the actual root cause is clear should you move to the solve phase.

This methodical approach ensures that your weekly to-dos are addressing structural flaws, which permanently removes the issue from your business and protects your operational efficiency.