Summarizing what has been said or agreed to at the end of a conversation does more than add clarity and paint a picture of what occurred. For leaders, it is the best way to emphasize that others have been heard. We are more likely to trust and yield to leaders who confirm that they’ve heard our views and say so. Summarizing at the conclusion of a meeting or conversation is the perfect way to let others know what they said matters, even when the leader is in disagreement.
Sage advice. I do this regularly during my weekly standing meetings, but I need to do better in my other meetings and conversations too. On a related note, I've been working on taking less notes during meetings so that I can focus on the 'hear and now' and the other speakers. I'll jot down an action item or an important date. At the end of the meeting, before I jump into my next meeting or task, I take a few minutes to summarize the important topics in the meeting. This seems to help me retain more (active recall exercise) than trying to capture everything down minute by minute.
This works for those leading up, too. After reading this morning, I put into action today with a senior leader who called asking for input on a challenging question. Being able to recap and even weigh in on what his next step showed not only that I was truly listening to him, but also that he can trust me to understand and help him get through similar challenges in the future.
I like this. I add to my summary - a review of action steps too - simple answering: Who is doing What by When.
Does that lead you to take notes specifically that way, Ben?
Sage advice. I do this regularly during my weekly standing meetings, but I need to do better in my other meetings and conversations too. On a related note, I've been working on taking less notes during meetings so that I can focus on the 'hear and now' and the other speakers. I'll jot down an action item or an important date. At the end of the meeting, before I jump into my next meeting or task, I take a few minutes to summarize the important topics in the meeting. This seems to help me retain more (active recall exercise) than trying to capture everything down minute by minute.
Does this look like a scheduled buffer in your calendar, David?
Or is it just the post-meeting routine?
Post meeting routine.
Absolutely. When I am taking notes I put anything I need to do to follow-up in red and actions by others highlighted in yellow
This works for those leading up, too. After reading this morning, I put into action today with a senior leader who called asking for input on a challenging question. Being able to recap and even weigh in on what his next step showed not only that I was truly listening to him, but also that he can trust me to understand and help him get through similar challenges in the future.
Love this.