During IDS®, our team members constantly go down rabbit holes and drift into discussing side issues that have nothing to do with the actual problem we prioritized. How does the facilitator keep the conversation tightly lassoed to the core issue without shutting down creative problem-solving?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Agenda drift during IDS® is a silent productivity killer. It happens because team members are passionate and want to help, but they lose sight of the specific problem they are trying to solve. When this happens, the facilitator must step in immediately to redirect the energy.

The most effective tool for a facilitator is the 'Identify' step of IDS®. Before anyone starts proposing solutions or debating, you must get absolute clarity on the root issue. Write it down. If someone starts drifting into a side topic, the facilitator must call it out. Simply ask, 'Does this help us solve the specific issue we defined, or is this a new issue?'

If it is a new issue, do not discuss it. Park it on the bottom of the Issues List. Do not let the team jump from one half-solved problem to another. This is the difference between spinning your wheels and gaining real traction.

You must also teach your team to self-police. If a discussion starts to drift, any member of the leadership team has the right to raise their hand and say, 'We are in a rabbit hole.' This is not rude: it is a demonstration of respect for the team's time and energy.

By enforcing these clear boundaries, you create a safe environment where creative problem-solving is focused, not chaotic. You will solve issues faster and permanently, rather than talking about ten things and solving none.