Synopses & Reviews
Minutes are vital to the success of meetings. Attendees rely on them for information they may have missed and they serve as an essential communications tool for non-participants. In addition, the action points highlighted in minutes act as a timely reminder for the whole organization. Minute-taking is such a crucial part of business management meetings but there is a common misconception that all secretaries and administrators can simply take minutes.
Taking minutes involves listening skills, the ability to absorb information and to summarize it simultaneously. The minute-taker is one of the most important and powerful people in a meeting. Although the tasks can be daunting, it is an opportunity to develop knowledge, broaden horizons and build credibility within the organization.
Now in its second edition, Taking Minutes of Meetings is an accessible reference guide following the whole meeting cycle. Starting with organising a meeting, it goes on to give reliable, hands-on advice about the sections of a meeting; the agenda; personal preparation; taking notes; accuracy; structuring notes; writing up the minutes and recording decisions and actions. Aimed at anyone new to taking minutes and professionals looking to brush up their technique.
Review
""Gutmann carefully explains every aspect of the [minute-taking] process... You will find it to be an indispensable reference if you are assigned to take the minutes.""
Synopsis
Taking minutes involves listening skills, and the ability to absorb information and summarize it simultaneously. This guide is aimed at those new to taking minutes and professionals looking to brush up their technique, and covers all aspects of the meeting cycle.
About the Author
Joanna Gutmann is a freelance training consultant specializing in office communication. She has a background in secretarial work and extensive experience in the design and development of courses for secretaries.