How to communicate decisions post-meeting (blog)

Operations

After a Meeting: How to Communicate Decisions

By Hannah Pniewski

Effective communication within a team is like a well-choreographed dance, and the conclusion of a meeting often marks a critical moment in this intricate performance. Sharing the story of what happened in the meeting, those crucial bits of information that need to be disseminated after the meeting concludes, play a pivotal role in helping the team move forward harmoniously. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into why sharing the story is essential for effective communication and how mastering this art can contribute to the overall success of a team.

Why do we call it ‘sharing the story’?

Well, any piece of communication that is shared in a company is part of the company’s overall story, but if you only communicate deadlines or only communicate the next deliverable someone requested, then you are leaving out vital pieces and important context for the overall story. Your team will be left wondering: What are the deadlines for? What company initiatives do they connect to? Why do they need to be adhered to and what other work do these deadlines affect?

The story is a comprehensive way of referring to decisions made, action items identified, key takeaways and any other additional context needed to support the other three pieces of the story. Sharing the story means communicating items that need to be passed down to certain teams and employees after the meeting ends.

A meeting’s story consists of:

Decisions made during the meeting
Action items identified during the meeting for attendees and anyone who wasn’t in attendance, including deliverables as well as deadlines
Key takeaways from the meeting
Any additional context needed to support the other three items listed above

Clearly articulating these items at the end of the meeting guarantees that the right individuals receive accurate information, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings or misinterpretations. You will enhance accountability, facilitate collaboration, and contribute to the overall success of your team’s endeavors.

The Essence of Clarity

At the heart of story sharing lies the essence of clarity. Picture a relay race where each team member needs to receive the baton smoothly to maintain momentum. Similarly, after a meeting, the relay of information must be seamless to guarantee that everyone is on the same page. Clearly articulating decisions, action items, and key takeaways acts as the baton in that race.

Misunderstandings or misinterpretations are like hurdles in the relay race—obstacles that can slow down progress and even lead to the team going off course. By providing a concise and crystal-clear summary of decisions made and tasks assigned, leaders eliminate these hurdles, fostering an environment where everyone understands their role and responsibilities.

Enhancing Accountability

Sharing the story is not just about conveying information; it is also about instilling a sense of accountability within the team. When team members are well-informed about decisions and action items, they can take ownership of their responsibilities. Accountability is the glue that holds a team together, and the story that comes out of a meeting acts as a binding agent by ensuring that every team member knows what is expected of them.

Leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s also about skillfully guiding the team towards success. By meticulously crafting the story from a meeting, leaders set the stage for a culture of responsibility and accountability, where each team member understands the impact of their contributions on the team’s overall goals.

Collaborate

Effective collaboration is the backbone of any successful team. The story that is shared after a meeting serves as a bridge, connecting team members and departments by providing a shared understanding of the collective goals. When information is disseminated clearly and comprehensively, it promotes open communication and collaboration among team members.

In a collaborative environment, ideas flow freely, and tasks are executed seamlessly. The story acts as the catalyst for this collaborative spirit, ensuring that everyone is well-informed and ready to contribute their expertise towards achieving common objectives.

Contribute to Overall Success

The success of a team is not just the sum of individual achievements but the collective result of effective communication and collaboration. Mastering the art of story sharing is, therefore, a key ingredient in the recipe for success. When leaders prioritize the clarity of post-meeting communication, they pave the way for a team that is well-informed, accountable, and collaborative.

In conclusion, sharing the story after a meeting ends is the linchpin that unlocks movement in your company. By prioritizing clarity, enhancing accountability, and facilitating collaboration, leaders contribute significantly to the overall success of their team’s endeavors. As teams continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of the professional world, mastering the art of story sharing becomes an indispensable skill for leaders striving to lead their teams to new heights.