Finding Business Solutions Through the IDS Process

Are your meetings productive or do you often discuss the same topics over and over, leaving issues and decisions on the table unresolved? It is an all-too-common occurrence in both small and larger companies, a significant point of frustration, and a situation that slows progress and growth.

How do you transition from too much talk and too little action to resolving issues cleanly and decisively?

In his book, Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, Gino Wickman introduces his issue resolution process – Identify, Discuss, Solve, or IDS – the three steps of what he refers to as the Issues Solving Track, an element of his Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). The simplicity of this process empowers teams and entire companies to not only achieve resolution of issues but to get there faster.

The IDS Process

Preparation is Key
Create an Issues List which includes all issues, both current and those that have been carried over from previous meetings. List them in order of priority and stick to that order as you address each issue.

It is helpful to put your Issues List on a whiteboard or project on a screen. Using this subtle visualization tip creates a more cohesive group and better participation than when everyone is looking down at their own copy of the list.

Identify
Often, when an issue is raised, it is the symptoms of the issue that are identified, rather than the underlying cause. This step can help you simplify the core issue so that it can be stated in one sentence.

You may find that there are three types of issues that continuously surface:

  1. Problem that has to be solved.
  2. Information that needs to be communicated or agreed upon.
  3. Idea that needs feedback or approval.

The owner of the issue should identify which type of issue is being raised to accurately establish the proper course of resolution.

Discuss
This step is where it is easiest to get off track and go off topic on a tangent. Keeping the discussion relevant requires the group to be disciplined to stick to facts and thoughts that are truly on topic. Openly and respectfully discuss all aspects of the problem, focusing on the facts and realities of the issue.

Most groups find their meetings to be most productive when they name a facilitator and a note-taker. If discussion becomes repetitive, the facilitator should step in and redirect the conversation, while at the same time, ensuring that all participants have been heard.

Solve
The sole purpose of discussion of an issue is to solve it. Discussion should continue until a solution to resolve the issue permanently emerges and there is agreement within the group about the way forward.

Once there is clarity about the solution, expect a to-do list to emerge which will also identify who is responsible for completing each action item and by when. The actions needed to make the solution a reality should be noted in detail and recapped with the entire group. This helps ensure that everyone understands how the solution fits the issue and that all variables have been addressed. If loose ends are discovered, go back to the discussion phase to be sure your solution is clean and thorough. Schedule action items to be reviewed at the next meeting for accountability.

By resolving highest priority issues first, you may find that some of the other items on your issue list may have actually been symptoms of a high priority, core issue, and may have been resolved in the process of solving a higher priority issue.

Results and Benefits of the IDS Process

  • Creates a foundation for building a successful, well-run business, and can help teams stay focused on what is most important.
  • Informs both major decision making and day-to-day operations, helping to streamline processes and eliminate spending time and energy on non-priorities.
  • Keeps a focus on facts and neutralizes situations in which there may have been personal disagreements among colleagues.
  • Helps build functional, cohesive teams, and affords a sense of accomplishment.
  • Improves the health of your business and helps position it for growth.

This process can also help build trust, which Wickman claims “creates an open culture in which everyone feels comfortable talking about issues as they arise.” This level of transparency nurtures the ability of team members to disagree respectfully when consensus has not been achieved and focus on the greater good of the company as discussion continues until a solution is reached that best aligns with the company’s vision and mission. This culture of acceptance and collaboration benefits all aspects of the business.

Businesses deal with problems on a daily basis – from financial uncertainties to operations conundrums – and everything in between. Wickman’s IDS method provides a clear and actionable way to solve them. I encourage you to try this process in your own business for a period of time and experience the difference it makes. I have used this methodology with my clients and would welcome the opportunity to help you solve your financial issues in a more streamlined fashion so you can remain focused on growth. Contact me for a complimentary, one-on-one consultation.

Rick Arthur is a CFO whose expertise is built on Financial Intelligence and 35 years in senior financial roles. Coupled with a CEO’s perspective and the experience of building his own $20 million company, he brings a unique depth of insight into business from the top down. Wired to get to know people, Rick works hand-in-hand with business owners of intentional, growth-oriented companies, solidifying relationships as a trusted advisor and confidant to his clients. He leverages his experience to help business owners gain traction and stay focused on the company’s vision, cash flow, and profitability – all while creating big picture solutions for strategic planning, growth, and sustainable success.

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Rick Arthur is a CFO whose expertise is built on Financial Intelligence and 35 years in senior financial roles. Coupled with a CEO’s perspective and the experience of building his own $20 million company, he brings a unique depth of insight into business from the top down. Wired to get to know people, Rick works hand-in-hand with business owners of intentional, growth-oriented companies, solidifying relationships as a trusted advisor and confidant to his clients. He leverages his experience to help business owners gain traction and stay laser-focused on the company’s vision, cash flow, and profitability – all while creating big picture solutions for strategic planning, growth and sustainable success.