Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: a question about meeting minutes

[R Philip Dowds (rpdowds]

And I agree with Sharon here.  The outcome or decision is often nuanced, 
complex or contingent.  Unless the decision is succinct and inescapably clear — 
“Approved.”  “No.” Or some such — I find it useful for the recording secretary 
to read back some literal words:  “Here is how I am recording our decision … 
<read the words> …”  It should be no surprise that this approach, even when 
well executed, can precipitate more debate.

Thanks,
Philip Dowds
Cornerstone Village Cohousing
Cambridge, MA

> On Sep 9, 2015, at 11:02 AM, Sharon Villines <sharon [at] sharonvillines.com> 
> wrote:
> 
> I think the minutes should give a sense of the discussion — the issues — and 
> the outcome. Insisting on recording a clear outcome also pushes the group to 
> have an outcome — not just wander on to the next topic. This is partly the 
> job of the person leading the meeting but secretaries can be greatly helpful 
> in this because they have to write it down.