The participants at a latest board meeting had decided to use a speaker phone to accommodate a key member who 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. This kind of behavior isn't courteous to anybody. Individuals who refuse to occasionally lay down their tools (cell phones, PDAs, Blackberries and Bluetooth) have to see themselves as "in demand" and "with it." They're so important; they ought to be handling multiple tasks at once and never out of touch.
That might be so. But higher up on the values chain are respecting and valuing the people around you. Keep in mind how President Bill Clinton made people feel? In his presence, they felt like they were the only ones in the room. Imagine this charismatic man having a important conversation with someone holding a PDA or having a Bluetooth strapped to his ear. I don't think so!!
Please pay attention to these guidelines for the polite use of your PDAs, cell phones, and Bluetooth.
o When at a group event or meeting (and most certainly if you are at the head table) turn off your equipment. Be completely present to the purpose and the people in the meeting.
o If you absolutely have to take an urgent call you are expecting, here are your choices:
- The most preferred choice, don't attend the meeting in the first place. - Leave your cell phone with the receptionist who would call you out of the meeting when your call comes in. - Turn your phone on vibrate and excuse yourself from the room to talk. (This is still distracting, but it accommodates the urgent need to keep in contact.)
o If your cell phone rings because you didn't remember to turn it off, say sorry and turn it off immediately.
o If you're worried that you may 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.)
o In one-on-one dialogues, bear in mind to "dance with the one that brung you!" That means your present conversation takes precedence over all others. Honor that person by being attentive and completely present, as if you were President Clinton.
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