It is crucial for leaders to take short notes when leading a conference call. Notes allow you to quickly refer back to specific suggestions, ideas, and comments as the call progresses. The key question to ask: how do I take notes in a way that does not interfere or distract the other participants during the call?
Whether you are leading your first call or your 100th call, the best strategy is to keep it simple! Taking hand written notes on a paper notepad is neither sexy nor high tech. It is simple, effective, and helps you to keep your focus on leading the call.
DO NOT use your computer keyboard to type your notes during the call. Distractions of any type reduce the effectiveness of a conference call. First, the clicking of computer keys will distract your participants. Second, even a fast typist will not stay with the flow of the conversation. Think back to a previous conference call where someone was typing in the background. Was it easier or harder to concentrate during the call?
You must be 100% present to lead an effective conference call. Support your ability to stay present by keeping things simple. Immediately following your call, take a few minutes to review your notes, write down insights, and fill in any blank spots.
Speaking of simple, use a headset. Taking notes is much easier when you do not have to hold a handset! Check with your IT department to make sure you order a headset that works with your internal phone system. I’ll post more on this topic later.
Posted by Byron Van Arsdale,
ConferenceCallTraining.com
