RECORD Workbook

Documenting agreed-upon actions and those who are assigned to take those actions ensures things get done. Documentation is much more effective and efficient than communicating your plans to the collective memory of your team. Further, recording what’s been said communicates the importance to the individual and the content recorded.

Develop a plan to record meetings by following the communication steps below:

1. Commit to not leaving any meeting without action steps and notes being published immediately after the meeting.
2. Whether you are the leader of a meeting or just a participant, make sure someone tracks action items, identifies who is responsible for each item to be completed, and captures the expected date.
3. If you are not the leader, consider volunteering to take written notes.
4. Record action items on a flip chart or project them on a screen or monitor to make sure everyone can see not only what has been agreed upon but also who is assigned to each action item.
5. If you are facilitating a meeting, delegate recording to a peer or subordinate. This relives you from this burden, which will allow you to focus on making sure the meeting is efficient and effective and that everyone participates.
6. Consider using an online assignment tracking tool.