Minute Taking can be complex, tricky and challenging. Minute takers are often expected to produce concise and coherent summaries out of chaotic and disorganized meetings. Many are directed to take minutes without documented guidelines on what to record and what to leave out, and without a prior explanation of issues and technical terms used at a meeting. Sometimes they require a rare combination of diplomacy and fortitude, to deal effectively with demands to record inappropriate details in the minutes.Minutes of meetings are important documents, for recording consensus and decision-making, and for tracking the evolution of issues and the history of an organization. This excerpt offers principles, standards and practical tools to help reduce anxiety about minute taking and establish clarity on what to record. It also explains how minute takers can build rapport with their groups and generate respect for their work.
