Action item tracking

An action item is a specific task or responsibility assigned to an individual or team, typically during a meeting or project discussion. It is actionable, clear, and often has a deadline. Effective action item tracking transforms meeting decisions into tangible progress. Without clear ownership, deadlines, and follow-up systems, even the most productive discussions fade into missed commitments and delays. Keeping cross-functional teams aligned requires visible tracking that clarifies dependencies between design deliverables, development timelines, and product milestones.

Good action items follow SMART criteria:

• Specific: "Create three navigation options in Figma" vs. "Update design."
• Measurable: Include clear acceptance criteria.
• Assignable: One directly responsible person.
• Realistic: Achievable within given constraints.
• Time-bound: Clear due date or milestone.^[1]

Track action items in a shared, visible space (Jira, Asana, or Linear) that all team members can access and update. Each item should include: owner, deadline, dependencies, status, and any blocking issues. During meetings, review pending items first, then add new ones with full context. Most importantly, confirm each owner's understanding and commitment before closing discussions, for example "Emma, you'll share the prototype by Thursday — do you have everything you need?"