What are minutes in the context of a meeting?

Minutes in the context of a meeting serve as an official written record of the discussions that took place during the meeting. They capture key points, decisions made, action items assigned, and any other important information that is relevant to the meeting's objectives. This documentation is crucial for several reasons: it ensures that all participants have a clear understanding of what was discussed and decided, it provides accountability for actions assigned to individuals, and it serves as a historical record that can be referenced in future meetings.

While personal notes may be taken by individuals attending the meeting, they do not serve the same formal purpose as minutes. Formal invitations relate to notifying participants about the meeting itself, and agendas outline the topics to be discussed rather than documenting the discussions as they occur. Thus, minutes are essential for maintaining continuity, clarity, and accountability within an organization by summarizing the important aspects of the meeting.