GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

ClosingIntroduction This section discusses how to close a briefing and take follow-up actions.Getting adecisionLast slideClosingstatementEarlydecisionsFollow-upGuidelinesDon't be bashful--you're there to get a decision, so ask for it. If you don'tunderstand the decision, ask for clarification immediately.Make your last slide a summary of the decision and its implementing tasks. Toensure everyone understands, point to it when discussing the decision and itsimplications. Or you may miss a key point and the final decision may be flawed.Don't end with a lengthy summary or a strong dramatic statement, as these areinappropriate for military briefings. To close, use a short pointed statement:Information briefing: General Lee, this ends my briefing; are there any questions?Decision briefing: General Grant, may we have your decision?A decision maker may approve your recommendation before you've finished, soit's pointless to carry on. Simply note the decision, end the briefing, and startfollowing up. Don't talk past the decision or ramble on.Follow up or the decision may quickly lose impact. Until it's implemented, itsimply remains as a good intention. To capture what occurred and note thoseresponsible for follow-up actions, prepare the minutes as records.To prepare an MFR, follow these guidelines:GuidelineDescriptionRecord Record what took place and those responsible for tasks.eventsClarify If there's doubt about the decision maker's intent or a need fordiscussion further discussion, take these actions:x Meet with action-officer attendees to clarify who said what.x Prepare a draft minutes and submit it for approval or correction.Distribute Distribute copies of the final minutes to interested parties. Theycopies need not comment unless they disagree. If they do, work it out.If they don't, the minutes stand.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 9-18