Why is it important to have minutes from a meeting?

Minutes from a meeting are important because they serve as a legal record of what transpired during the meeting. This documentation can be crucial in several circumstances, such as when there are disputes about decisions made, when accountability for actions is required, or when reviewing past discussions and resolutions. Legal records can be used in a court of law or for compliance purposes, ensuring that all decisions were officially noted and agreed upon by the participants. This means that everyone can refer back to the minutes for clarity on agreements and responsibilities, thus upholding the integrity of the organization's processes.

While the agenda is necessary for guiding discussions during the meeting, and keeping everyone informed is a valuable aspect of effective communication, these functions do not carry the same legal weight as the minutes themselves. Preventing discussions is not a goal of creating minutes; rather, the purpose is to capture and summarize the discussions that occur.