Solving Problems Effectively - Introducing IDS from EOS™
We spend a lot of time discussing (or just voicing concern) about issues and not enough time fixing problems. When we do solve problems, we are too focused on fixing the symptoms, not the root cause.
Let's spend some time exploring the 'IDS' (Identify, Discuss, Solve) process and how you can use it in your agency…
Let’s Dedicate Time to Problem Solving
How long do you spend discussing issues rather than solving them? Having set time every week, an agenda and purpose for your meetings will ensure that you're working on the right set of issues and solutions at the right time.
Let’s do it Regularly and Have a Method
There are some issues that you can solve in a minute or an afternoon, but the core ones, the ones holding your agency back, are likely to take more time. Identify your top three issues and work on them consistently.
Let’s Get Comfortable with Conflict
Now that you've identified your core issues, let's discuss it. Conflict is OK! Why is this problem a problem? Let everyone who needs to, have their say and present their case. This will ensure full commitment to resolving it.
Let's Solve Issues, Not Symptoms
An issue is solved when you have a list of SMART actions, when the root cause is uncovered and when the relevant people are held accountable for actioning the steps needed for resolution.
HERE’S AN EXAMPLE OF IDS AT WORK…
IDENTIFY
Create a list of the issues from your core business goals and score them to create your top three list. Remove any that are symptoms of an issue:
- Our next quarter forecast is looking too low (1)
- Our sales team is underperforming (2)
- There are typos on the website (a symptom of issue 3)
- We have a bad apple in the team (3)
DISCUSS
Dedicated time in a meeting - 60-90 minutes every week
Prioritise the issues identified as holding your agency back from achieving its core goals
Gain buy-in from all core stakeholders to move onto the solve phase
SOLVE
Confirm the root cause of the issue, create a list of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goals and assign tasks to solve the issue:
Our next quarter forecast is looking too low
We need to inject our cash-flow, by bringing in two new £4k projects, in the next eight weeks.
- Our sales team will reach out to new and existing contacts
- Our MD will personally contact anyone with an open scope of work
- Our marketing team will create and implement a four-week marketing campaign
- Our account directors will reach out to existing contacts
Our sales team is underperforming
We need to ensure the sales targets for Q4 are confirmed and achievable. Review our existing sales strategy and process. Review each team member’s performance. In the next four weeks.
- The senior sales manager will meet with the board
- We will review the performance of each team member through 360 feedback
- We will review KPIs and OKRs for the last and next two quarters
INSTRUCTION VIDEO
Listen as Janusz talks you through IDS…
THANKS FOR READING OUR ‘IDS’ HOW TO!
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