We waste a lot of time in our Level 10 Meeting trying to solve complex operational issues that only really involve two department heads, while the other four leaders sit in silence. When should a facilitator pull an issue offline, and how do we ensure it actually gets solved?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

A common waste of time in the Level 10 Meeting™ is the default habit of treating every issue as a group discussion. If an issue only requires the input and agreement of two leaders, discussing it with the entire leadership team is a waste of collective time and energy.

The facilitator must be highly sensitive to this dynamic. During the Identify phase of IDS®, ask the owner of the issue, "Who is actually needed to solve this?" If the answer is only two people, do not spend fifteen minutes debating it.

Instead, pull the issue offline immediately. The facilitator should create a specific weekly To-Do for those two leaders to meet, resolve the issue, and report back the solution at the next meeting. This keeps the issue on the radar and ensures accountability, but protects the group's precious ninety minutes.

By keeping your group discussion focused strictly on issues that impact the entire organization, you maintain high engagement and momentum. The other leaders will appreciate that their time is respected, and the two department heads can solve their problem in a focused, fast-paced sidebar meeting later in the week.