Thoughts on the hows of note taking

  • Notes have to be generative
    This has been practically very difficult for me, the idea being listen to the conversation, comprehend it, and generate the ideas in your own words. What is challenging is often its hard for me to understand what is being said. The general consensus is this is a lack of paying attention and a lack of depth on previous topics. Will write thoughts on how to address that.

  • Such generative notes can be linked to key ideas and words
    This requires a better overall understanding on what is being spoken about. The notes above can pull out key themes from them.

  • Don’t do verbatim
    Its easier, but its a waste. As a consultant, you are not a scribe. Pay attention, comprehend what is said and make notes.

  • Summarize
    Just on conclusion summarize the entire thing so as to have a tl;dr

  • Actions and Next Steps
    Always capture what should happen as the consequence of this meeting or conversation.

  • Document and Link Notes
    These notes in isolation do provide value maybe, but it is more valuable when linked to other ideas and thoughts.

  • Practice this
    Getting better at this needs more practice.

  • Preloading success
    Prepare for the meeting and understand what to expect.
    Note down what outcomes are important for you from the meeting.
    I have tried creating headings, but have struggled - probably coz of the comprehension issues - better may be to keep a list of key topics to check off in a list.

  • Potential Format
    Section for key topics expected. Notes in prose
    Key words as tag section Summary Actions