Protocol
Turn a verbal resolution into person, action and date
A vague truce is easy to remember differently.
When it fits
- A difficult conversation ends with 'we will communicate better' or another agreement that cannot be checked.
When to avoid it
- A written note does not make an unfair or coerced agreement legitimate.
Why it matters
Record each agreed next step with one owner, observable action and timing. Add the reason when it prevents later reinterpretation. Share the record while the conversation is fresh and correct misunderstandings early.
Steps
- Someone not in the meeting can tell whether the agreement was completed.
An example
'Release owner will confirm or reject post-cutoff changes in the channel within 30 minutes; review after the next two releases.'
Check your result
Someone not in the meeting can tell whether the agreement was completed.
Keep this limit in mind
- A written note does not make an unfair or coerced agreement legitimate.
Connected ideas
Use beforeFollow up on whether the problem changed, not whether the meeting happened
Evidence and sources
Acas informal-meeting guidance recommends preparing what to say, gathering relevant evidence, considering what would fix the problem, listening to the other side and recording what is agreed.
A workplace meeting may carry legal or policy requirements beyond these general practices.
Informal meetings · Preparing; at the meeting; putting things in writing
Acas recommends that agreed next steps be clear, specific and measurable and that the parties later check whether the problem is actually resolved.
A measurable action does not guarantee relationship repair or fairness.
Dealing with a problem raised by a worker · Keep a record; Following up