User How can I tell which list to put my IDS items on, Short Term or Long Term?

George Morris

Issues happen.

A shared framework like Scaling Up or EOS Traction can help you and your team contextualize and systematically address the issues. In EOS, they have an element called IDS (Identity, Discuss and Solve). It is used in the weekly "L10 Meeting"; the concept is based on Scaling Up's Weekly Meeting format. Thus the two play together nicely. I use the IDS methodology with my Scaling Up clients, and I instruct them to be clear on which issues are "Short Term Issues" and "Long Term Issues."

The decision to place an IDS item on the Short Term or Long Term list largely depends on the nature of the issue and the time frame in which it can be realistically addressed.

Short Term IDS items are typically those that can be resolved within the next quarter. These are issues that are immediate and pressing and require swift action to prevent them from escalating or causing further problems. For example, if you're facing a sudden drop in sales, this would be a Short Term IDS item that needs immediate attention.

On the other hand, Long Term IDS items require a more strategic approach and a longer time frame to address. These are often larger, more complex issues that can only be solved after much more discussion. For instance, if you're planning to expand your business into a new market, this would be a Long Term IDS item that requires careful planning and execution over several quarters or even years.

A good way to determine which list to put your IDS items on is to ask yourself the following reflective questions:

What is the urgency of this issue? Does it need to be addressed immediately, or can it wait?
What is the complexity of this issue? Can it be solved quickly, or does it require a more strategic approach?
What are the potential consequences if this issue is not addressed in the short term? Could it escalate or cause further problems?

Remember, the goal of the IDS process is not just to identify issues but to make decisions and implement solutions in a timely manner. By categorizing your IDS items effectively, you can ensure that each issue is addressed promptly and appropriately.

Oh, and where are these Long Term Issues addressed? At the Monthly or Quarterly meeting when the team has the time to consider each issue in-depth.

George Morris

About the Author

I use my 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience and training to coach businesses on scaling up rapidly using Verne Harnish's Scaling Up framework. By doing so, my clients are more efficient and profitable, giving them the ability to make bigger impacts in the world.

I deeply believe entrepreneurs are the best equipped to be the vehicle for meaningful change, and in the decade ahead, we'll see a substantial shift in how business is done. We'll move to a model where company purpose, impact, curiosity, and team health will be differentiators in overall business success. As Simon Sinek has pointed out, the finite games are the legacy of the past; we're moving to an infinite game.

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