Alert: Minute Takers - 5 Mistakes you can't afford to make
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Sep
Minute Taking
Posted by Ryan Thomas
1: Adding Personal Opinions
Your minutes should be objective and impartial. Avoid injecting your personal opinions, interpretations, or biases into the document. Stick to recording what was said and decided during the meeting.
2: Unclear Language & Jargon
The minutes should be easily understood by all meeting participants and anyone who may read them later. Avoid using technical jargon or vague language. Use clear and concise language to convey information accurately.
3: Focusing on Verbatim Transcription
While it's important to capture the essence of discussions and decisions, you don't need to transcribe everything verbatim (unless you have been told otherwise). Summarise lengthy discussions, highlight key points, and provide a concise summary of what transpired. Verbatim transcription can be time-consuming and may not add value to the minutes.
4: Ignoring Confidentiality & Sensitive Information
Be mindful of sensitive or confidential information discussed during the meeting. Avoid including such information in the minutes, or if it must be documented, use appropriate safeguards to ensure confidentiality. Marking the document as "confidential" and restricting access to authorised personnel only.
5: Failing to Review & Proofread
Errors, typos, and inaccuracies can diminish the credibility of your minutes. Always review and proofread your minutes before distribution. Double-check names, dates, and key details to ensure accuracy. It may be helpful to have someone else review them as well to catch any overlooked mistakes.
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