Meeting recaps – a leadership moment
by ANN on FEBRUARY 2, 2010
The worst job in a meeting? Writing the recap. That is why I have rarely seen them done, and when done, often done poorly.
I’m about to change your opinion on recaps.
Recaps are all about power. The way you write the recap, what you include, what you exclude, will influence all readers – importantly more than just those who attended the meeting. That means that whomever produces the recap controls the dialogue.
Reason enough for you as a leader – or aspiring leader – to hold your hand up HIGH and volunteer to write that recap yourself.
Now a hint on how to make that recap even more effective:
Most minutes or notes are chronological – they literally walk the reader through the meeting.
Bad idea. If you were there, you got the order part already. If you weren’t, you want the conclusions, not the “he said, she said” recitation.
Perhaps you think it is appropriate because you’ve worked with political or “good meeting policies” and they all recommend that each element of the meeting needs to be captured.
That is admirable but impractical coaching. In today’s world of soundbites and 160 character updates we’ve moved past the day when “after lunch, we addressed the issue of the strategic plan…” is appropriate.
Recaps should include, in bullet point fashion:
when the meeting occurred
who attended (if important, in what way they attended, ie via phone, Skype, in person)
what conclusions were decided
what next steps were agreed to
any outstanding issues, or conversation points
In that order. That is because if someone is in a hurry, they need to get “what was it, what did they decide, and is my name on anything”.
Don’t underestimate the power of this simple activity. I can personally vouch for the power of stepping in and writing thoughtful and clear recaps. Why not try it yourself?
- See more at: http://cisjustaletter.com/2010/02/02/meeting-recaps-a-leadership-moment/#sthash.xUSEEyLf.dpuf