IDS: The Issues Solving Track (Identify, Discuss, Solve)

Definition

IDS is a structured three-step process for identifying, discussing, and solving organizational issues. "Identify" means bringing the real problem to the surface with clarity. "Discuss" means openly examining all aspects—data, opinions, concerns—without tangents, until everyone has shared their perspective. "Solve" means reaching a conclusion (action item, awareness, or decision to gather more facts) and assigning ownership. The power of IDS is that it creates a common language and cadence for issue resolution, turning what might be vague complaints or lingering tensions into resolved problems with clear owners and next steps.

In the Book

Wickman devotes Chapter 6 to the Issues Component and teaches IDS as the core tool. He emphasizes that most companies don't invest time solving issues; they react, jury-rig, and patch problems until they resurface. By taking time in a structured meeting to identify, discuss, and solve, a team saves exponentially more time in the future by eliminating recurring symptomatic issues. The book includes "The 10 Commandments of Solving Issues": (1) don't rule by consensus, (2) don't be a weenie, (3) be decisive, (4) don't rely on secondhand information, (5) fight for the greater good, (6) don't try to solve them all, (7) live with it, end it, or change it, (8) choose short-term pain, (9) enter the danger (tackle the issue you fear), and (10) take a shot (propose a solution).

Wickman shares an example of two EOS clients doing business together who, facing multiple tough issues, sat down in a conference room and wrote "IDS" on the whiteboard. The other client smiled, and they resolved all their issues. The acronym became a common language between them. The book stresses that the Issues List must be captured and reviewed weekly in the Level 10 meeting; unresolved issues from previous weeks roll forward. Issues are prioritized, and the team tackles the top three, working through each one fully before moving to the next.

Why It Matters

Most organizations avoid conflict or discussion, letting issues fester and multiply. IDS flips this: it makes issue-raising safe and systematic. By having a predictable cadence (weekly in meetings) and clear steps, teams stop avoiding the hard conversations. The result is faster decision-making (not consensus but clarity), reduced rework (solve it once, permanently), and higher trust (people know they'll be heard and issues will be addressed). This is where the real magic of the EOS system happens—not in planning, but in resolving obstacles to execution.