Writing Concise Meeting Notes

We’ve all seen variations of this comic on LinkedIn. They’re “funny” — but they also show a problem: we’re using AI with an old, document-centric mindset. Five bullets → AI inflates to 12 pages → AI compresses back to five bullets. That’s not intelligence; it’s content ping-pong. We’re optimizing for length, not for decisions. A better way: in a case like this, AI should act as a decision co-pilot, not a text generator. Instead of “write 12 pages,” ask AI to: 1. Clarify intent & audience. “What decision must be made, by whom, and by when?” 2. Build a 1-page Decision Brief: recommendation, three supporting reasons, risks/mitigations, options considered, next steps. 3. Link evidence, don’t paste it: connect to the data and surface the few charts or numbers that matter. 4. Generate fit-for-purpose outputs: • exec email (≤200 words with clear ask) • one-slide visual for the meeting • optional appendix with traceable sources 5. Push back when inputs are weak: ask for gaps, assumptions, and thresholds that would change the recommendation. 6. Automate the loop: monitor the underlying data and update the brief if something material changes. Try this prompt: “Turn these 5 bullets into a 1-page Decision Brief for [audience]. State the recommended action, key reasons, risks, alternatives, and next steps. Produce: (a) a 200-word exec email with a clear decision request, (b) a single summary slide, and (c) links to supporting data. Ask me any clarifying questions first.” Write less. Decide faster. Deliver clarity. #AI #AgenticAI #DecisionIntelligence #Productivity #FutureOfWork #Leadership #Communication

Good decisions die in messy docs. If you want clarity and speed, compress it. One page. Five sections. No fluff. 1. Context – Why we’re here and what’s at stake. 2. Options – The real alternatives we considered. 3. Risk – Trade-offs, uncertainties, and what could break. 4. Choice – The decision, and the “why” behind it. 5. Follow-Ups – Who owns what, and by when. This format does 3 things well: Forces clear thinking. Speeds alignment. Leaves a record for future you. If your team debates endlessly or revisits decisions over and over, try the one-page memo for your next meeting. You’ll feel the difference.

What you need to know about making meeting file notes as a junior lawyer: 1. Contemporaneous records are powerful. If you don't want disputes about who said what after the fact, write down as much of the discussion as you can (and attribute who said what correctly). 2. Whether you like to take a file note in an email and send it to meeting attendees or capture it in a word document, it does not matter as long as it suits the expectation of your instructor/situation. 3.Whether you type verbatim conversations or dot points, make sure you capture all contentious and key points of the discussion. 4. A good file note should serve as a useful record for others to reference to (if they need to know what happened) and for you to reference (i.e. if you are doing a follow up task). 5.You may need to tidy up the file note after the fact. I.e. spelling of people's names, or any particular applications or business referenced. The more important the file note, the more important it would be to ensure that spelling is accurate and sentence flows makes sense. 6.You may have questions as you prepare the file note flowing on from the real time discussion. Note these questions down and if appropriate, ask the partner or senior lawyer after the call. You may end up learning more than you might know. 7.Related to 6, it is sometimes appropriate to ask the questions you have on the spot to the client. However, if you are just starting out doing this, make sure to check with the partner on what their expectation is/how they would like you to raise any queries you may have. 8. You should strive to be as accurate in record-keeping in the moment and not have to spent either any or much time to tidy up the file note as your time should mostly be spent on doing the substantive tasks arising from a call/meeting. 9. It may be appropriate to have a debrief after the meeting with instructing lawyers so you are clear who is doing what and you don't double up. 10. For some calls/meetings, consider whether it would be useful to send a summary of the key action items arising from the call to the client (particularly if you need them to action/provide you with information), so that the division of responsibility and next steps are clear. Check with instructing lawyer before doing so. Any file note taking tips I have missed from this list? Let me know in the comments below! I want to support every junior lawyer to become their best selves. Follow or connect for more junior lawyering insights and tips! #juniorlawyers #graduates #clerks #paralegals #meibeitstrue #law #wellbeing #lawyer #filenote #meeting

Meetings should produce clarity, not confusion. Meetings are a staple in the business world, but not all meetings are created equal. The key to productivity lies in choosing the right method for the right kind of meeting. Let's dive into two distinct approaches: the Cornell Method and the Quadrants Meeting. 1. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱: This method is ideal for meetings that require extensive note-taking and follow-up actions. It involves dividing your notes into three sections: cues, notes, and a summary. 𝙀𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚: In a strategy meeting, use the 'notes' section for detailed discussion points, the 'cues' section for key ideas or questions, and the 'summary' area for a brief overview of decisions and action items. 2. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: This approach is perfect for problem-solving or brainstorming sessions. Divide the meeting agenda into four quadrants: Facts, Ideas, Solutions, and Actions. 𝙀𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚: In a product development meeting, start with 'Facts' to lay out the current status, move to 'Ideas' for creative brainstorming, then 'Solutions' for viable options, and conclude with 'Actions' for next steps. The Cornell Method excels in structured, information-heavy meetings where clarity and follow-up are crucial. In contrast, the Quadrants Meeting thrives in dynamic, creative settings where the goal is to generate actionable solutions. At Lawyantra, we've utilized both methods depending on the meeting's objective. The Cornell Method has been invaluable for our legal strategy sessions, ensuring comprehensive notes and clear follow-ups. For brainstorming new offerings and product development, the Quadrants Meeting has sparked creativity and collaborative problem-solving. So, next time you're planning a meeting, consider the objective: Is it about information and detail, or creativity and solutions? Your choice of method can make all the difference. #EffectiveMeetings #BusinessStrategy #CornellMethod #QuadrantsMeeting #Productivity

Need help to take better notes? That’s been me, too—until I discovered the Cornell Method, a simple system that keeps your notes clear, organized, and super effective. Here’s how it works: ☑ The Layout ↳ Divide your page into 4 sections:   1. Title/Heading (Optional): At the top, jot down the topic.   2. Cue Column (Left): Take up 1/3 of the page.   3. Notes Section (Right): Use 2/3 of the page for detailed notes.   4. Summary (Bottom): You can reserve space for a quick recap. ☑ How Each Section Works 1. Notes Section (Right Column):     ↳ Write down key points, facts, and concepts as you listen or read.     ↳ Use bullet points, short sentences, or diagrams.  2. Cue Column (Left Column):   ↳ After the session, add keywords, questions, or main ideas.     ↳ These act as prompts for review and quick recall.  3. Summary Section (Bottom):   ↳ Finally, write a summary in your own words.     ↳ This reinforces understanding and helps during revision. ☑ How to Use It Effectively 1. Prepare: Set up your page with the Cornell layout before starting.   2. Take Notes: Focus on the right-hand column during lectures or study sessions.   3. Reflect: Post-session, fill in the cue column and summary section.   4. Review: Cover the notes column and test yourself using the cues.  ☑ Benefits ↳ Organized Notes: Quickly find what you need.   ↳ Active Learning: Summarizing and creating cues deepen your understanding.   ↳ Better Recall: Structured review helps you remember more effectively.   ↳ Adaptable: Works for lectures, meetings, and self-study.  The Cornell Method transforms how you engage with information, making it a game-changer for studying, work, or personal growth. Ps. If you enjoy tips like this, follow me for more 🙌

When onboarding a new team member, a recent experience with asynchronous collaboration brought a humbling revelation. As I was onboarding her to our tech stack, I uncovered a blind spot in communications within our project management software, Asana. 📝 In the meticulous notes I left for myself a while ago in one of the Asana projects, I had cut and pasted some language from an email to a client that included the word "YOU". 🤔 I failed to consider the potential confusion for my new team member. It hadn't occurred to me that she would interpret that "YOU" to be referencing her. ⚠️ What I had put in Asana as notes became unintended directives for the new Virtual Work Insider team member! The result? 📉 A cascade of actions on her end, each based on a misinterpretation of my notes. ⏳ This was an inefficient use of her time and effort that were invested in tasks that weren't needed or intended. The fix? 🔄 Once I realized what had happened we had a great discussion about how I would change my note-taking behavior in shared Asana projects to make the async communication clearer and we refined on our norms for how new requests would come through to her. My aha moment made we want to share some actionable insights for seamless onboarding in asynchronous settings. ✅ Precision in Messaging: Avoid vague language and ensure that your notes are explicitly for personal use and directives to others are clearly marked as tasks. ✅ Establish Communication Norms: Kickstart the collaboration by setting expectations on how tools like Asana are used. Establish a shared understanding of communication conventions to avoid misinterpretations. ✅ Feedback Loop: Create an open channel for feedback. Encourage your team to seek clarification if something seems ambiguous. This proactive approach can avoid potential misunderstandings. What would you add to this list? 👇 #virtualleadership #hybridleadership #hybridwork #async

To my fellow EAs - let's talk meeting minutes. A few tips below: 🛠 Before the Meeting: - Know the agenda: Get a copy ahead of time. You'll anticipate key points. - Set up a simple template: — saves you from scrambling. - Clarify roles: Know who’s leading the meeting and who the key decision-makers are. 🗒 During the Meeting: - Capture major points, not every word: Focus on decisions made, key discussions, and assigned tasks — not side conversations or exact quotes. - Use bullet points: They're faster to write and easier to read later. - Identify action items clearly: Write what needs to happen, who’s responsible, and by when. - Mark follow-ups: If something is undecided, flag it for next time. - Stay neutral: Don’t add personal opinions or interpretations. 🛠 After the Meeting: - Clean up right away: Don’t wait — fresh memory = better notes. - Summarize clearly: Reword any messy notes into clean, short sentences. - Send it out quickly: Ideally the same day or the next morning, while things are still fresh for everyone. - Highlight key decisions and tasks: Bold or bullet them so people can skim easily. 🧠 Bonus Quick Tips: - Bring a laptop if you type faster than you write (I prefer writing) - If you’re unsure about something (like a decision), ask during the meeting: "Just to confirm, are we agreeing to [this decision]?" - Develop shorthand: "AI" for Action Item, "D" for Decision, "F/U" for Follow-Up. What would you add?

Could pen and paper be the secret to better meeting outcomes?   Ever left a meeting or conference only to realise you’ve forgotten crucial details? Feels frustrating right? Turns out, the way you take notes could be the reason—and the solution.   Research by Mueller and Oppenheimer revealed a surprising truth: handwritten notes are more effective for learning than typing on a laptop. Here’s why:   ✍️ Deeper engagement Writing by hand forces you to summarise, leading to better understanding.   💻 Less mindless transcription Typing often leads to word-for-word notes, but handwriting helps you focus on the core message. (Handwritten notes had only 8.8% verbatim overlap, compared to 14.6% for typed notes!)   🧠 Better retention Handwritten notes lead to better performance on conceptual questions, even a week later!   🔗 Fewer distractions Without the internet, you’re less likely to get sidetracked or multitask.   But don’t toss your laptop just yet! Here are some tips to supercharge your note-taking, no matter what tool you use in a meeting or conference:   1️⃣  Resist the urge to transcribe. Focus on summarising key points in your own words.   2️⃣  Use the Cornell method for handwritten notes: divide your page into sections for notes, cues, and summary.   3️⃣  Review and revise your notes within 24 hours to reinforce learning.   4️⃣  Try mind maps or diagrams to visually connect ideas.   5️⃣  For important meetings, consider a two-step approach: take quick notes by hand, then type them up later for review.   Remember, the goal of note-taking isn’t to create a perfect transcript—it’s to engage with the material and deepen your understanding.   ___ PS: What’s your go-to method for taking notes in meetings or conferences? What strategies do you use to make your notes more impactful? Send me a DM or share your experience in the comments!   If this was helpful, consider resharing ♻️ and click follow for more content like this.

Here's a step-by-step to drastically reduce the deluge of emails between you and your clients/internal team. An absolute GAMECHANGER 👇 Enter: The Collaboration Doc 👏 I’ve stolen this idea from Cal Newport’s podcast Deep Questions. I immediately implemented it with my own clients and they LOVE it. Fundamentally, most people don’t need a response *right now* – they just need to be safe in the knowledge that everything is being taken care of. So all the Collaborative Doc is is a very clean, clearly outlined document that you and your clients and/or your internal teams can use asynchronously to reduce overhead tax. Overhead tax is all the unnecessary (and exhausting) meetings and emails flying back and forth that surround a project. Here’s how to drastically reduce your overhead tax immediately: Step 1: Create a shared document This could be in Notion, Google Docs, Word or whatever works best for you and your client. Make sure your privacy settings are all correct. Step 2: Make it incredibly easy to navigate I have mine split into: 📆 Key Details 📝 Meeting Notes 🧠 Brain Dump Within Brain Dump I’ve further split that into all the key stakeholders so they know exactly where to put their notes. Break this down however you want. They key is that it's all clear and formatted, it looks nice, but it's not overworked. This should be as bare bones as possible. Step 3: Agree a cadence The point here is to reassure your client that you will absolutely refer to their notes. If you have a weekly Wednesday meeting for example, say that you will check all notes first thing on a Tuesday. They can be confident that nothing will go un-reviewed and anything that needs to be actioned before the meeting will be. Meanwhile, you get to be clearer on when you work on each client/project, as everyone has a set cadence. Step 4: Be religious about your collaborative documents This only works if your client has absolute trust that you will keep the document updated and reviewed. Do not let anything slip! WHY THIS WORKS Instead of emailing back and forth, clients put any questions, ideas, notes etc into this one, living document. It helps you to whittle communication down to the essential, increasing the value of your work, your time and the experience your client has (remember it's reducing overhead tax for them, too!) I've done the above example for working with a client, but it works just as well for internal teams, too. It gives everyone more time as people know that things are documented and will be picked up, so there's no need to just fire little things off on slack unless they're actually needed there and then. For both groups, streamlining like this means that you can save time and energy for when a response really is needed right away. Simple, I know, but honestly SUCH a winner. Do you do this already? What problems do you foresee and how would you tweak it?

If you set up a meeting, you are responsible for documenting the discussions and outcomes. You can either take notes yourself, or delegate this task out before the meeting starts. There are pros and cons to both. I personally like to run the meeting notes myself and screenshare live, especially if Im the one that set the meeting up. It helps me drive towards the intended objectives and document decisions. In the words of others, I'm also pretty good at taking notes; an acquired skills over years of practice (and one I would say is worth learning). But if the meeting is larger/more involved, I'll delegate the notetaking so that I can ensure the meeting flows. Then I'll do a pass afterwards, mostly focused on extracting key points. I'm notorious for being a stickler on format and color. A yellow highlight is not the same as a blue highlight 🟡🔵 Everyone loves have something to look at during the meeting, whether that is bullet points on a page, a technical drawing, or a timeline view of the schedule. Bonus points if you are building up the artifact live, during the meeting. Taking good meeting notes is: 》A strategic tool to for building clarity and alignment during the meeting. 》A form of respect to those that couldn't attend the live meeting. 》A record of discussions and decisions that everyone can refer to in the future (note: for heavier meetings, get the notes signed by representatives so they represent agreement) Also...recordings are not equal to notes. If you held a meeting, I don't want to watch the 2-hour recording, just give me the three bullets that I need to know and what I need to do next. #fieldnotes #notes