The rise of remote work has turned many of us into semi-professional videographers—making sure we’re framed correctly, our background is just the right level of aspirational, and the lighting hits us in a flattering way. Whether it’s Zoom, Teams, or another solution that you use to host your online meetings though, the question arises: should you hit that ‘record’ button?
Recording meetings can be incredibly useful, especially when overseeing a project with multiple moving parts. It serves as an excellent tool for easy note-taking. Provides an indisputable record of who said what. And, can be a lifesaver for team members who couldn’t attend the meeting. Plus, it’s invaluable for capturing intricate discussions, particularly in areas you’re not well-versed in. What’s not to like.
The Double-Edged Sword
But before you go smashing that record button like you’re on a game show, consider some potential downsides.
Depending on the participants and subject matter, recording can inhibit honest, open conversations. It can also offer key stakeholders an excuse to skip the meeting, allowing them to opt for more passive engagement by choosing just to watch the recording later. And, multitaskers who do attend will often use the fact that a recording will be available, as a crutch to avoid being fully present during the real-time conversation. Sound familiar?
The Balancing Act
My perspective on the pros and cons of recording meetings shifts back and forth over time.
The balance, as it appears to me, lies in using the record feature judiciously. It should not be your default setting. Working meetings, especially those requiring immediate decisions, should look to encourage real-time participation. Meetings aren’t cheap. They should serve a clear purpose and be effective. If key stakeholders can’t make it, it’s better to reschedule. The live interaction in these types of meetings usually yields the best results. If real-time engagement isn’t required, is a meeting required?
Alternatives to Recording
For meetings where documentation is crucial, there are other methods to keep track without stifling the flow of conversation. An effective yet old-school approach is to delegate note-taking to another team member. While not glamorous, it allows you to focus on driving the meeting forward.
Often this approach will yield a higher quality of notes, when its from someone solely focussed on observing and recording the discussion. To make this work best, don’t regard this person as a silent observer though. Check in with them before transitioning to a new topic. Look to see that decisions and actions have been accurately captured, and ask if there are any ambiguities or gaps best tackled there and then.
The Goal is to have Effective Meetings
In my own experience, when the meeting topic is unfamiliar or focussed on deeply technical subjects, I’ve found recordings to be invaluable. Here, my strategy is to be transparent about why I’m recording and to delete the file once it has served its purpose. Usually this will be right after the meeting notes have been circulated.
Overall I would suggest that whichever approach you take – strive to make your online meetings impactful. Ensure they leverage the real-time engagements with all stakeholders present and fully attentive. If you choose to record, be clear about your intentions and quick to dispose of the recording once its job is done.