ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2006 > April > 06
Thursday, April 6, 2006
The Multitasking Meeting - myth or reality?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We all know that meetings can be an annoying necessity in many organizations.
One trend that seems to have taken hold is the use of handheld devices (Blackberries, Treos, etc., etc.) during meetings.
People check emails as issues are debated and committee reports are presented.
It is not uncommon to find team members passing email ‘notes’ in the meeting itself.
I wonder how much we can focus on the present when our minds are tuned in elsewhere.
I know that when on conference calls, I often do non taxing work on my computer.
Is this any different than when face to face with colleagues? Is it disrespectful to multitask?
Do you have any written or unwritten ground rules in your meetings to manage the use of devices?
Should this be a personal choice? What is the expectation of management regarding multitasking in meetings?
