A couple of years ago Nick Poole of Latimer Hinks presentated a talk on New Employment Legistation to an audience of around 30.Nick normally requests that attendees "turn off their mobiles" so that there is no interruption to the presentation. On this occasion he forgot. Halfway through the presentation a jarring mobile phone jingle was heard -Bat out of Hell i think it was!
The phone owner then proceeded to take the call - he was seated in the centre of the room! All other attendees looked on, stunned at what was happening. The guy was around 50 years old so his blatant disregard for the speaker or the audience could not be blamed on immaturity. The phone was eventually escorted from the room by another partner of Latimer Hinks.
Now, scroll forward to the present. I have attended presentations where the audience were asked to "leave mobiles on - we wouldn't want you missing that all important sales call!"
I agree that mobiles should be kept active but silent. The mobile phone is now basically a hand held PA to us - they have demands, deadlines, alarms to remind you that they are there to look after you and your business!
So when your mobile vibrates with an urgent phone call, take it - but make sure you leave the room as you do!!
If we move on to social media, live video streaming, twitter interaction - then we;re opening up another can of worms!!
Take a look at this article from Connectegrity - How Social Media is Changing Business Etiquette
2 comments:
Guess I'm old school too but I won't allow Apprentice Man or Little Girl to text at the dining table either - an irritable trend amongst those of teenage years
Totally agree Judith. All technology is banned from the dinner table whilst eating!
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