Tool: Issue Solving Track IDS

EOS Issues Solving Track (IDS) Briefing

Overview:

The EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Issues Solving Track (IDS) is a tool designed to help leadership teams and organizations become more effective at prioritizing and resolving issues. It addresses a common problem: teams tend to discuss issues extensively but often fail to identify the root cause and implement lasting solutions. IDS provides a structured process for identifying the real issue, facilitating productive discussion, and agreeing on a plan of action to resolve the issue permanently. The end goal is to cultivate a culture where issues are openly acknowledged, prioritized, and resolved at their root cause for the greater good of the organization.

Key Themes and Ideas:

• The Importance of Identifying the Root Cause (I in IDS):
• The core principle of IDS is that the stated problem is rarely the real issue. "The stated problem is rarely the real issue." Teams must "dig down to find the real issue."
• IDS emphasizes that a team shouldn't move forward in the process until the root cause is clearly identified.
• As explained in the video, "It's I DS. So, I DS identify is ties to trust. It's about peeling back the onion, getting to the root cause... We do not move to D until we know we're at the root issue."
• Often the stated problem is just a symptom and digging to the root cause is necessary.
• Structured Discussion (D in IDS):
• The "Discuss" phase should be "completely 'open and honest,'" allowing team members to share their thoughts, ideas, concerns, and solutions related to the real issue.
• Discussions should be efficient and avoid repetition. "Get it all on the table, but say it only once. Saying it more than once is politicking."
• The goal is to have a healthy debate while avoiding unproductive "politicking". As the video explains, "...discussing more than once is politicking".
• When the discussion becomes redundant, it's time to move to the "Solve" phase.
• Decisive Solving (S in IDS):
• "Solve" means agreeing on a plan of action that will make the issue disappear forever.
• Decision-making is crucial. "It’s more important that you decide than what you decide... so decide!"
• Solutions must be clearly stated and agreed upon, even if not everyone is completely pleased.
• Clear action steps ("To-Dos") should be assigned to individuals, documented on a To-Do List, and tracked for completion ("To-Done").
• While consensus is desirable, the Integrator must make the final decision when necessary. "Consensus management does not work and will put you out of business faster than anything."
• Prioritization and Focus:
• The Issues Solving Track is most effective when used to tackle the most important issues.
• Teams should start by prioritizing the one, two, or three most critical issues from their Issues List.
• Integration with EOS and the Team Health Pyramid:
• IDS is integrated into the broader EOS framework.
• IDS relates to Lencioni's Team Health Pyramid, where:
• Identify (I) ties to Trust.
• Discuss (D) ties to healthy Conflict.
• Solve (S) ties to Commitment.
• Accountability and results are a natural outcome of commitment to the process. Showing up on time, completing rocks and todos, and hitting VTO targets will come naturally if the team is committed to IDS.
• Issues Lists:
• The Issues List provides a way for everyone to comfortably raise their hand and call out potential issues.
• There are only 23 issues in the history of business and solving them quickly and at the root is crucial.

Practical Application:

1. Create an Issues List: Encourage everyone in the organization to identify and document potential issues, opportunities, or ideas.
2. Prioritize: Select the top 1-3 most important issues to address.

• IDS Process:Identify: Dig deep to uncover the real root cause of the issue.
• Discuss: Facilitate open and honest discussion, encouraging diverse perspectives while avoiding repetition and politicking.
• Solve: Agree on a clear plan of action with assigned owners and deadlines. Document action steps on a To-Do List.

1. Follow-Up: Ensure action steps are completed and track progress on the To-Do List.

Conclusion:

The EOS Issues Solving Track (IDS) provides a valuable framework for leadership teams to move beyond surface-level discussions and resolve issues at their root. By emphasizing root cause identification, structured discussion, and decisive action, IDS fosters a culture of accountability and drives lasting results.

RYT Podcast is a passion product of Tyler Smith, an EOS Implementer (more at IssueSolving.com). All Podcasts are derivative works created by AI from publicly available sources. Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved.