During our weekly Level 10 Meeting, leaders frequently have quiet side conversations or message each other on Slack about the topic being discussed instead of addressing the full table. How do we eliminate backchannel communication?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Side conversations and covert messaging during a Level 10 Meeting are toxic to organizational health. When two leaders whisper at the end of the table or exchange private messages on Slack while a colleague is speaking, they are withholding critical input from the team and destroying vulnerability.

Open debate during IDS requires total transparency. If an observation or criticism is worth typing to a peer in a private chat, it is mandatory that the entire leadership team hear it. Private backchannels breed political maneuvering, create cliques, and prevent the room from solving the real root problem.

The Integrator must establish and enforce strict technology standards for the meeting room:
- Close all messaging platforms, email clients, and phone notifications before the Segue begins.
- Laptops are permitted on the table only for reviewing the Scorecard, Rock status, and the Issues List.
- If a leader needs to consult operational data, they open the specific report and immediately return their attention to the room.

If the Integrator spots side chatter or fingers flying across a keyboard while someone else is presenting an issue, stop the meeting instantly. Direct a calm, straightforward question to the participants: "If that side conversation is relevant to the issue on the table, bring it to the whole group right now." Calling out backchannels publicly once or twice will quickly eliminate the behavior.