What is the main purpose of meeting minutes?

The main purpose of meeting minutes is to document attendance and key discussion points. Meeting minutes serve as an official written record of what transpired during a meeting, capturing who was present and what topics were discussed. This documentation is crucial for several reasons. It provides a reference for attendees and those who were unable to attend, ensuring that everyone is informed about the decisions made and the discussions held.

Additionally, these minutes can serve as a tool for accountability, as they often include action items and responsibilities assigned to attendees. By recording key discussion points, meeting minutes help track progress on projects and facilitate follow-up on outstanding issues.

While defining future projects, sending out follow-up emails, and summarizing financial reports can be elements of a meeting, they are not the primary function of meeting minutes. Instead, the focus is on preserving a comprehensive record of the actual discussions that occurred during the meeting.