One of the cornerstone practices of the Level 10 Meeting™ is tackling your Issues List head-on. This list typically includes problems, obstacles, inefficiencies, and complaints—essentially anything that stands in the way of your company’s success. The goal? Bring these issues to light, resolve them, and move on. Permanently.
That’s right. Permanently.
This is where the EOS® process sets itself apart from traditional meeting practices. In struggling companies, unresolved issues resurface time and again. In contrast, Level 10 Meetings are designed to eliminate these issues once and for all. One and done.
Sometimes, though, Level 10 Meetings can veer off course. It’s too common for a leadership team’s Level 10 Meeting to be filled with the wrong issues – issues that belong in an Operations Level 10 Meeting or a Sales Level 10 Meeting, for example. If a leadership team is consumed with day-to-day operational problems, they miss the opportunity to address critical strategic challenges. Make sure the leadership team’s Level 10 Meeting stays focused on the appropriate issues.
Another common problem I see are Level 10 Meetings that don’t have enough issues. A lack of issues may seem like a positive sign, but it often indicates that your team isn’t digging deep enough. A team that comes unprepared is unlikely to uncover the real challenges they face. Remember, no organization operates without issues. Level 10 Meetings that are not addressing issues should be a red flag.
So, how can you ensure you’re ready for your next Level 10 Meeting? Enter the Clarity Break - a dedicated time to gather your thoughts and reflect. As you prepare for your Level 10 Meeting, consider these Clarity Break questions from your Leadership Team Manual Toolbox:
Clarity Break Questions:
Are our Vision and Plan on track?
What is our number one goal?
Am I focusing on the most important priorities?
Do I have the Right People in the Right Seats to drive growth?
What’s the one “people move” I must make this quarter?
How strong is my bench?
If I lose a key player, is there someone ready to step in?
Are our processes functioning effectively?
What needs simplification?
Do I know what my direct reports love doing and excel at?
Am I leveraging their strengths effectively?
What can I delegate to use my time more efficiently?
How can we shift from being reactive to proactive?
What can I do to enhance communication?
What’s my top priority this week? This month?
Before your next Level 10 Meeting, take a Clarity Break to assess whether you’re addressing the right issues, using the questions above. If you’re still struggling to come up with issues, I’d encourage you to consider:
Am I preparing adequately for our Level 10 Meetings? Am I taking Clarity Breaks to reflect on the issues I need to present to the Leadership Team?
Are all my scorecard numbers and measurables on track?
Are my Rocks on target? Where might I need help, and where should I offer assistance?
How can I contribute to making this team and company better?
Am I withholding issues because I don’t trust my team, or feel unheard? If so, that’s an issue we need to add to the list.
Why do I believe I belong on this Leadership Team? Am I a valued contributor, and am I truly the right person for this seat?
Don’t be afraid to embrace the truth and then be open and honest about it both with yourself and with your team. By doing so, you’ll create a more open and productive environment, paving the way for meaningful resolutions and greater success.
About the Author
Kirsten Smith, founder of Made to Thrive Consulting, is a business management strategist and EOS Implementer®. She has over 20 years Business Development and Management experience with small and large organizations alike, including those listed among the Fortune 500. She is both a business professional and motivational speaker covering a range of topics including attitude change, effective sales techniques, customer service excellence, and personality profiling. Her passion is helping entrepreneurs and leaders be the very best version of themselves and to do more than just survive … THRIVE!
Contact Kirsten at ksmith@madetothrivellc.com.
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