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The Leadership Puzzle: The Minutes

Written by Posted On Sunday, 24 May 2020 05:00

Typically, the first order of business at a Board meeting is the approval of the minutes from the prior meeting. The document called the Minutes is a record of what was done at the meeting, what was decided; it is not a record of how it was done. It is a sterile document, often only a page in length.

Why must great care be taken in preparing the Minutes? The reason is simple: the Minutes and all related notes can be subpoenaed in the event of litigation. This would include any video or audio recordings, as well as any peripheral devices such as laptops and even smartphones. The subpoena could also extend to personal notes, texts and emails sent in/out during the meeting.

The Minutes should record only Motions and status of votes; no debates of pros and cons; no actual votes (unless it is a ballot vote); no recording of abstentions. This is not a newsletter!

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