How Leaders Document Their Ideas
We asked 14 leaders how they gather ideas before bringing them to life.
Leaders and ideas are the dynamic duo.
When any ideas pop up even at random moments, leaders need to capture them like lightning in a bottle before they vanish into the ether of forgotten thoughts.
We asked leaders how they take notes or document important information before implementing it into action.
Here’s what they have to say.
Outline Thoughts for Clarity and Productivity
When jotting down notes or planning to put ideas into action, I lean on a method that’s like having a second brain — outlining.
This method isn’t just about listing tasks; it’s a way to organize my thoughts and break down big challenges into bite-sized pieces.
Tools like Taskade offer a digital space where this process comes to life, turning complex projects into simple, actionable steps. It’s like laying out a puzzle, piece by piece, until the bigger picture emerges.
Combine Digital Mind Maps with Team Collaboration
I use a combination of cloud-based tools to record and organize information, which ensures accessibility and collaboration across my team.
I start with a digital mind map for every critical decision or meeting to visualize the relationships between ideas and priorities.
This is followed by detailed notes in a shared document that the relevant team members can access and contribute to. And I review these documents with key stakeholders.
Shir Amram, COO, Montana Capital
Engage Teams in Dynamic Brainstorming Sessions
My methods are similar to the unique tools we’ve crafted at our company, tailored to harness creativity and structure it into actionable plans.
There’s this ‘human cloud storage,’ a term I coined for the practice of sharing and discussing new ideas with my team as soon as they hit me.
Instead of jotting down notes in solitude, I turn these thoughts into conversations, engaging with my team’s diverse perspectives right off the bat.
Blend Analog Notes with Digital Categorization
When capturing crucial information, I keep it old-school with a twist.
I jot down key points in a notebook during meetings, which helps me process information better.
Then, I transfer these notes into a digital tool that categorizes and prioritizes tasks. This blend of analog and digital ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
I’ve found that discussing these notes with my team helps refine ideas and actions. It’s a mini-brainstorming session every time we review our notes together.
Swena Kalra, Chief Marketing Officer, Scott & Yanling Media Inc.
Reflect and Document for Informed Strategy
As a leader in mental health awareness with Stay Here, I’ve found that integrating reflective practices is vital for documenting important insights before action.
For example, after consulting with our team and analyzing data from our social media interactions and feedback from our mental health awareness campaigns, I often take a moment to journal these insights personally.
I use tools like Trello to organize tasks and Evernote to jot down thoughts and observations.
Specifically, after a campaign launch, I document the initial responses and notable outcomes in Evernote, then plot actionable steps in Trello that are informed by these observations.
Jacob Coyne, Founder, Stay Here
Record Meetings with AI and Traditional Notes
I utilize two things: using AI plugins to record and transcribe meetings, and still using traditional note-taking methods like jotting down keywords with pen and paper.
Jamie Frew, CEO, Carepatron
Use Pen and Paper for Clarity and Memory
My approach is a little old-school, but pen and paper work fine.
I believe writing solidifies my thoughts and makes it easier to remember the ideas. My primary focus is to note down the idea being presented at the top and the action item needed to bring the ideas to life below the idea.
Mayur Bhatasana, Co-Founder and CEO, Jeenam infotech LLP
Create Comparative Charts for Decision Making
The name already says it all to me; you make tables or charts to compare multiple products within a category.
Each column that follows the first one, which has a list of all your options, can assess a different attribute for each one.
The charting method works well in meetings where you are debating which course of action to choose from a range of possibilities.
Ben F., Manager, Homefield IT
Simplify Documentation with Google Docs and Evernote
In managing Weekender Management and running a real estate-focused law firm, effective documentation, and note-taking have been paramount to implementing actionable insights efficiently.
I prioritize simplicity and clarity, often using tools like Google Docs for real-time collaboration and Evernote for capturing fleeting thoughts.
Utilizing automation where possible, especially for recurring tasks or information that needs to be repeatedly accessed, has saved valuable time.
Capture Nuances with Digital Apps and Mind Maps
I rely on a two-pronged note-taking system to capture important information before diving in.
First, during meetings or presentations, I use a digital note-taking app with voice recording. Later, I revisit the recording and my notes, fleshing them out with action items, deadlines, and next steps.
For complex projects with a ton of details, I also find mind maps super helpful.
Phil McParlane, Founder and CEO, 4DayWeekJobs
Organize and Delegate with Project Management Tools
In my extensive experience with OneStop Northwest, incorporating and leveraging project-management tools like Zoho Projects has been pivotal.
Before implementing any key piece of information or strategic action, I make it a standard practice to thoroughly document it using these tools.
This method allows for an organized, clear representation of data and tasks, which can then be delegated and tracked within my team.
Dylan Cleppe, Co-Founder and CEO, OneStop Northwest LLC
Combine Digital Cataloging with Handwritten Notes
As a manager in the legal industry, capturing and documenting crucial information is paramount to ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Personally, I rely on a combination of digital and traditional methods for note-taking.
I utilize specialized software to organize and catalog important details such as client meetings, case updates, and legal research findings.
However, I also find value in handwritten notes during brainstorming sessions or when discussing strategy with my team.
Aseem Jha, Founder and Head of Customer Delivery, Legal Consulting Pro
Foster Collaborative Documentation for Strategy
As a marketing leader and general manager, I employ a multifaceted approach to note-taking and information documentation to ensure optimal strategy implementation.
Alongside utilizing digital tools such as project management software and cloud-based platforms for efficiency, I encourage diverse methods like visual mapping or audio recordings to capture creative insights and nuanced discussions effectively.
Omer Lewinsohn, General Manager and Marketing Expert, Management.org
Review and Organize Notes for Team Alignment
I prioritize effective note-taking and documentation to ensure important information is captured accurately and implemented efficiently.
I utilize a combination of digital tools, such as note-taking apps or project management software, and traditional methods like notebooks or whiteboards, depending on the context and preference.
I structure my notes to include key points, action items, deadlines, and responsible parties.
Steven Mostyn, Chief Human Resources Officer, Management.org
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