These days I just ask someone send me an e-mail with important or pertinent information. No second guessing, no misinterpretations, and no having to scribble information down like a madman to keep up.
Failing that, I just write down key words and later on in the day when I have some free time, I write everything out.
Edit: Someone recommended Teeline shorthand
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teeline_ShorthandIt seems like by the time you master shorthand, you could have spent half the time on working out your own system without learning a new one.
Also, throwing a hissy fit in your own help thread works wonders, btw.