Action Items from Meetings

This has been on my mind ever since I attended a meeting last week where specific action items were presented, and the following week many did not complete their assigned tasks.  It seems that many entrepreneurs, and business professionals in general, can do with some better systems for ensuring that meeting action items get done. Afterall, what is the purpose of the meeting if no real action has been taken to progress initiatives? Here are some suggestions for improving the completion of action items:

1. Set up a reminder in Outlook
2. Email yourself a reminder, and flag it for follow-up
3. Have the notes from meetings sent out to the entire group
4. Email reminders before the next meeting
5. Post-It notes
6. Using a planner
7. Nominal fine or assignment for non-completion. (aka – you have to take notes for the next meeting)
8. Doing it right away. Don’t procrastinate.

All in all, it comes down to professionalism and priority.  Your manager, partners, colleagues, or whoever will notice who consistently gets things done and who is reliable. Likewise, they notice when people don’t follow through. If you are looking to become more dependable and looking for more responsibility, getting simple assignments done is a great way to do it.