When you’re on a call / in a meeting, what techniques do you practice to help fully understand the ask of the task at hand? Often times I take notes, but this distracts me from actively listening

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Couple of technique:
1-Recap what they said at the end of each section or at the end of the meeting
2-take notes on paper by drawing charts or graphs or flow chart
3-send confirmation email after the meeting to put everyone on the call at the same reference point and you’ll get additions to the email if you have missed anything

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I haven’t understood what I’m doing for approximately 7 years now.

Taking notes hasn’t helped

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Absolute truth!

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How detailed are your notes? I run into the same thing at times, and have found that the best notes I take are my own shorthand type of notes. I focus on listening but make small notes when I hear something that is key. If you are in a place to ask clarifying questions, do so and add to corresponding notes. If with a client, try to touch base with a team lead to review and confirm after the call is also an option. Key things to note: core question / goal of the task, inputs - what data or other sources are needed, outcome - what is expected or what are they looking to achieve from this task (frames how inputs are used), and turn around time / due date.

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Ask clarifying questions -- even if you think you understand what is being discussed

Second this; finish each section with “So just to confirm, what I heard was...” Helps you recap and often draws out additional info or irons out misunderstandings.

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Ten years in - no clue yet. Lemme know when you figure it out.

In all seriousness, take 3 min at the end of the meeting and repeat back what you understand to be the next steps. Let others fill in the gaps that you missed. Push back where needed and take the top next moves, get them compiled and agreed upon and proceed

https://www.monroecc.edu/fileadmin/SiteFiles/GeneralContent/depts/ssd/documents/notetakingpowerpoint_000.pdf
See above for note taking notes 😀
Taking notes on a laptop adds to cognitive distraction vs using pen and paper
https://www.npr.org/2016/04/17/474525392/attention-students-put-your-laptops-away

As the other consultants are saying I always like to recap and send out quick notes with actions after the call

I would encourage any project to maintain actions like one maintains issues and risk somewhere..

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