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Understanding Minutes

Published in Meeting Documentation 2 mins read

A minute is a written record of what happened at a meeting, while a resolution is a record of any decisions made during that meeting.

Understanding Minutes

Minutes serve as the official historical record of a meeting. They capture key aspects such as:

  • Attendees present
  • Topics discussed
  • Summaries of conversations
  • Reports given

According to the provided reference, a minute is a written record of what has happened at a meeting. Think of minutes as a narrative summary of the meeting's proceedings.

Understanding Resolutions

Resolutions, on the other hand, are the formal outcome of the meeting's discussions and decisions. They document:

  • Specific proposals or motions
  • The decision reached on each motion (e.g., approved, rejected)
  • Often, who voted for or against

As the reference states, a resolution is a record of any decisions made at the meeting. Resolutions are the actionable items agreed upon.

The Relationship Between Minutes and Resolutions

Minutes provide the context and background for the decisions made. Resolutions are typically embedded within the minutes of a meeting. The reference highlights this connection by stating, "Even a sole director must record their resolutions within a minute and sign the document." This means that while minutes document everything that occurred, resolutions specifically document the formal decisions within that broader record.

Therefore, minutes cover the 'what happened' and 'what was discussed', while resolutions focus specifically on the 'what was decided'.

Key Differences Summarized

Here is a simple comparison:

Feature Minute Resolution
Purpose Record what happened (discussions, etc.) Record formal decisions
Content Discussions, reports, general proceedings Specific motions, votes, outcomes
Scope Broad record of the meeting Specific record of a decision/action taken
Relation Contains or includes resolutions Is a specific part of the minute

In essence, resolutions are a critical component of the minutes when decisions are made. The minutes provide the full picture, while resolutions extract the key decisions.