Don't assume that ideas discussed during a meeting will be put into action or even  remembered. To ensure follow-through and accountability a meeting leader needs   to do three key tasks after the meeting ends. These are discussed in detail below.

1. Distribute minutes   Ensure that minutes are produced and promptly distributed   to all attendees including guests. Meeting minutes don't need to include everything everyone said. They do need to include following:

Date, time location
Attendees
Key points raised and decisions made
Motions and voting results if votes taken
Who is responsible for what follow-up action and by when
Name of the Recorder
Most word processing software includes templates for agendas and minutes.

    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Archive meeting documents   All meeting documents including the agenda, minu-  tes and supporting documents should be kept together and archived.

These records can be checked when quesitons arise about past decisions or actions. It is discouraging to committee or group members to rehash prior discussions or  decisions because of poor record keeping.

 
  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Check on action   Often people need a gentle nudge to remind them about com-  pleting action items. Leaders need to check to ensure that action is taking place as agreed. The check can be an E-mail or phone call to the point person or a meeting   devoted to checking on progress. Not checking may send a message that not much   action is really expected.

Tip: Every goal and action item needs a "point person." This person is responsible    for reminding everyone of action items connecting people to their work and following up with colleagues to make sure the work has been completed. The point person    also reports on results.