“Wer schreibt, der bleibt.”

I believe in the German proverb "Wer schreibt, der bleibt" – those who write, endure – especially when it comes to wielding influence and gaining clarity of thought. Even in my role as a supervisory board member, there are situations where I prefer to write the minutes myself. This might seem like a trivial task, but controlling the narrative, however subtly, can be crucial. "Wer schreibt, der bleibt" highlights the enduring power of the written word. It's more than just documenting decisions; it's about shaping how those decisions are remembered and interpreted. 

By writing the minutes, I can ensure that the key takeaways, the nuances of the discussion, and even the dissenting voices are captured in a way that reflects my understanding of the meeting. This process of writing itself is invaluable. It forces me to actively listen, to analyze different perspectives, and to synthesize the information into a coherent narrative. In a way, writing the minutes becomes a form of learning and reflection, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and to clarify my own thinking. This doesn't necessarily mean manipulating the record, but rather ensuring accuracy and providing a framework for future discussions. The person who writes the minutes controls the narrative, and in doing so, exerts a subtle yet significant influence on the course of events. 

So while others might see it as a chore, I see it as an opportunity to shape the narrative, to learn and refine my understanding, and to ensure that the decisions made reflect the true spirit of the discussion.

#SundayThoughts

http://www.FrankSchwab.de