O3s on OneNote workflow

Hi folks,

I don't know how many folks use OneNote here, but I'm using OneNote 2010 with a Sharepoint back end, and I've found it really useful for O3s and Team Meetings. I thought I'd share the setup and maybe it would be useful for some of you!

SETUP:

I created a notebook called One on Ones, and created a tab for each of my directs.  I also created a tab called "Templates". Within templates, I created a new page that is my shorthand translation of the manager-tools.com O3 form, with tables showing headings and spaces to fill in details.  I clicked the little twisty next to "New Page" clicked "Page Templates" and at the bottom of the pop out window clicked "Save current page as a template". Then click on each of the DRs and change the default template to the one you just saved.

WORKFLOW:

5-10 mins before the O3, I open OneNote, flip to the DR's tab. I right click on the latest tab, and click "Move or Copy". Select the DR's tab and click Copy.  I highlight the title field and press Alt+Shift+D that inserts the date.  I scan the notes making sure any actions or follow up items are listed in my "Manager Update" section, delete any other remaining notes.  This refreshes me on the last meeting and gets me set up for the one coming up.  I take notes on the current meeting with with a wireless keyboard, trying to keep focus on my DR, not the screen.

Looking through what I've wrote here I guess that seems somewhat complicated, but once the template is set up it's a really simple workflow, and our system copies all the local files to the network everytime I connect, so I always know there's a backup.  I can post the onenote template, but I wasn't sure if I'd be violating any copyrights if I did so.

I did something similar for our team meetings, and publish meeting minutes right from notes I take in the agenda page in OneNote.  I'll save that for another post!

Happy managing!

Chris