Message Received and Forgotten: How Note-taking Adds Value
People who never write things down always say they have a perfect memory. In reality — they don't remember what they don't remember.
Reflecting on a recent client quarterly C-Suite Growth Advisory session, the lack of people taking notes was noticed. As many insights, awakenings and possibilities came to light, only a few spoken ideas seemed to truly have their day in the sun later on. Typically we only see the CEO writing things down. In contrast, others marvel at new learnings as if they were falling stars, flashing brightly for an instant before disappearing into the abyss.
On almost every occasion, there is a single chronicler taking notes to capture action items like a courtroom stenographer. However, the meticulous typist misses many valuable moments of intrigue, wonderment, learnings, emotions and inspiration that are lost between the lines.
Being mindful that many people are distracted by note-taking, we never demand anyone to write things down in a meeting. However, we find that any executive team meeting generates many noteworthy points that only a photographic memory might retain.
Here are some points to take note of as you continue to grow your business and team's effectiveness:
Engagement: Taking notes displays people's mindfulness towards the meeting. Taking notes is not necessarily about the meeting but what they will do after it's over. Appearing present should not be misconstrued with true engagement.
Take-away value: Note-taking is the best mechanism for highlighting key points to be passed on to your team and relevant stakeholders. As leaders, we should always be conscious of what information needs to reach the appropriate people in your organisation.
Discussion: Some topics should be written down to be brought up at a more appropriate time to avoid diverting the currently held conversation off track.
Learning: New data shows that writing things down with your hand activates the part of the brain involved in learning and memory. If it is written, it is also considered, and any conclusion can later be recalled. At the end of every meeting, ask what everyone deems as the most valuable leadership learning from the meeting. As many scrounge through their minds for an answer, note-takers know immediately.
Accountability: While a designated minute taker is present in every high-performance team meeting with a strong accountability culture, you will observe each individual taking notes of their own action items. They then hold themselves accountable for delivering on their committed actions without the need for a second party.
Consider how engaged your team members are across your meetings. Be conscious of how many are taking notes and discover why it's not happening more. Share this blog with them and conduct a meaningful discussion as a team. The same principles apply to meetings they hold with their respective groups (and in my experience, new disciplines spread top-down).
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