Open thread
2009 July 10
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vivo en Republica Dominicana: me gustaria saber donde esta el instituto. y donde puedo conseguir los libro de etiqueta y protocolo de Emily Post.
Regarding the BlackBerry poll: I see no meeting-related reason why a smartphone should be out during a meeting. This is because all of the data that can be stored in such a device can and ought to be synced with the laptop (which is properly on the table, if only for notetaking purposes, during the meeting). Thus, if the presiding officer requires information from her smartphone, her assistant can retrieve it from Outlook, Eudora or the presiding officer’s substitute of choice. Have I missed something as regards the meeting-related purposes of smartphones?
I attend many business meetings, and I would say the culture of the group that is meeting should prevail. I see those who are very adept at using these devices do so in an unobtrusive manner and that is acceptable to the group. Those who cannot do so are frowned upon. Group policing seems to work well enough.
However, if one is new to the group, one would be wise to observe acceptable practices before displaying one’s own; this should be the modus operandi in most of our modern interactions.
This is a good example of an evolving standard and your input is appreciated. Technology is evolving so fast that there is a genuine need to keep discussing standards for its correct use. I can see a general rule in the specific point you make. It is true that anyone who knows technology well enough to depend on it should know it well enough to use it correctly.
In this case, if one needs information in real time, why not serve it to a device that has a recognized purpose in a meeting environment to avoid the appearance of a lacking attention for the issue at hand? I don’t think that you have missed anything but I can imagine someone responding that many people are carrying smart phones and avoid bringing laptops with them. This might be considered an advantage to a smart phone as it allows one portable device to do the job that used to require two. If it is collectively decided that this is acceptable some might prefer to leave the full computer at a home desk. If the potential for distraction outweighs the benefits maybe this practice will never become common place. This is exactly what we are trying to monitor and get feedback about. Again, your perspective is both noted and appreciated.