Writing Better To-Dos and Issues in EOS
Clear communication is the backbone of effective team collaboration, especially when using the EOS framework. One of the most impactful ways to improve team alignment and execution is by writing better Issues and To-Dos. Here’s how to do it well:
Best practices
Issues are the starting point for solving problems and making decisions. A well-written issue helps the team quickly understand what needs attention without confusion or misinterpretation.
Be Descriptive, Not Prescriptive
Focus on clearly describing the problem. Avoid jumping to solutions before the issue is fully understood. For example:
“We need to switch to a new CRM.” (Too solution-focused)
“Our current CRM is causing delays in lead follow-up due to poor integration with our email system.” (Clear and descriptive)
Be Specific and Contextual
Include enough detail so that anyone reading the issue can understand it without needing a meeting or follow-up conversation. Ask yourself:
- What exactly is happening?
- Who or what is affected?
- When and where is it occurring?
Avoid Vague Language
Phrases like “things aren’t working” or “we need to improve” are too ambiguous. Instead, describe the symptoms or impact.
Writing issues that are too vague or solution-oriented can lead to confusion, misalignment, and wasted time during IDS (Identify, Discuss, Solve) sessions.
Writing Actionable To-Dos
To-dos are commitments made by individuals to move the team forward. They should be clear, actionable, and achievable within a short timeframe—ideally one week.
Best Practices:
Assign to One Person Only
Every to-do should have a single owner. Shared responsibility often leads to no responsibility.Make the Action Clear
Use action verbs and be specific. For example:- “Look into marketing.” (Too vague)
- “Draft a proposal for Q3 marketing campaign by Friday.” (Clear and actionable)
Keep It Achievable
To-dos should be small enough to complete within a week. If it’s too big, consider making it a Rock.Link to the Issue
Ask yourself: “Will completing this to-do help resolve the issue?” If not, reconsider or reframe the task.Balance the Load
If one team member is assigned too many to-dos, it may lead to burnout or missed deadlines. Reassess priorities and redistribute if needed.
Final Thoughts
Writing better issues and to-dos isn’t just about clarity—it’s about creating a culture of accountability and progress. When everyone knows exactly what needs to be done and why, your team can move faster and solve problems more effectively.