I've always kept a "learning" journal, in which I write down notes and bits and pieces, specifically when starting a job but continuing through the job. This allows me to come into a new position, ask a few questions but rarely have to repeat those queries. Then after I've kind of gotten into the swing, anytime something new crops up, I make a few notes in the journal so if it happens again I have it there. But otherwise... to document every call or conversation? Nope. Never needed to, either. Most of the time, during the course of a project, I'll keep my notes together with names, numbers, etc but those go with the project file when I'm done. Otherwise, I use the "Someone called while you were out" with the carbon copy, so I can always flip back in there if needed for a phone call, or just don't worry about it. Generally, if it's something that I think will need to be referred to (or a CMA issue) then I'll either follow-up a phone call with an e-mail or on those CMA issues it's a personal note that goes home with me. I never write anything down in a journal that I would carry with me all the time, because in most of my positions there has been an issue of security of the information we come into contact with, and the bossie's have frowned upon it, because a lost notebook may give out more information than we would believe. And since I started my Admin career as a civilian for the military, it's kind of ingrained in me.
In my new position, I'm no longer a true "admin" and therefore have any less need of this type of record keeping. I still keep my "learning" journal, and I have been praised on my abilities to learn and not keep asking the same questions, so I guess that is what I needed most through out my career. We'll have to wait and see though, as I still have a ways to go.
CountriGal
Peer Moderator 
