Before: remember what matters.
Open the person’s history before the call. Review the previous meeting note and any tasks still open. Add an agenda that reflects the next decision rather than copying last week’s title.
During: give decisions a home.
Keep a private note with the meeting. Separate an agreed action from an idea still being discussed. If you use a transcript, confirm the relevant consent and source access first.
After: leave with a realistic plan.
Create the actions you actually agreed to, using a deadline only when one exists. Reserve time for your own work without changing the client’s calendar. Next time you open the person, the thread is there.