subject: Do You Really Think You Have Gone Too Far? [print this page] The individuals at a latest board meeting had agreed to use a speaker phone to accommodate a key member that dialed in on his cell phone. In the middle of a conversation, everybody heard what sounded like a toilet flush. The chairperson asked, "Was that a toilet we just heard flushing"? The absent member's response: "No, it was just a passing car." Hmmm...
At a conference I attended, I saw a panel member sitting on the dais wearing his bluetooth mobile phone . . . on stage!! Again, hmmmmm. How can this kind of behavior be courteous to others? People who refuse to occasionally lay down their tools (cell phones, PDAs, Blackberries and Bluetooth) ought to see themselves as "in demand" and "with it." They are so important; they must be handling multiple tasks at once and never out of touch.
That may be so. But higher up on the values chain are respecting and valuing the individuals around you. Keep in mind how President Bill Clinton made individuals feel? In his presence, they felt like they were the only ones in the room. Imagine this charismatic man having a meaningful conversation with somebody holding a PDA or having a Bluetooth strapped to his ear. I don't think so!!
Please take note of these guidelines for the courteous use of your PDAs, cell phones, and Bluetooth.
*When at a group event or meeting (and most certainly if you're at the head table) turn off your equipment. Be completely present to the purpose and the individuals in the meeting.
*If you certainly have to take an urgent call you're expecting, here are your choices:
-Do not attend the meeting in the first place (most preferred choice.) -Leave your cell phone with the receptionist who will call you out of the meeting when your call comes in. -Turn your phone on vibrate and excuse yourself from the room to speak. (This is nevertheless distracting, but it accommodates the urgent need to keep in contact.)
*If your cell phone rings because you forgot to turn it off, apologize and turn it off pronto.
*If you're worried that you might be missing something important, excuse yourself from the conversation and go elsewhere to check your calls. (But not in the cubicle of a rest room with the toilet flushing. Powder areas of restrooms or quiet hallways can be suitable.)
*In one on one dialogues, keep in mind to "dance with the one that brung you!" That means your current conversation takes precedence over all others. Honor that person by being attentive and completely present, as if you were President Clinton.
