Portable
electronic device (PED) is a term coined to include modern multimedia devices
such as smartphones and tablet computers. These can help keep a person
accessible to colleagues and associates but they should be used with discretion
and in ways that help you do your job, not for things like playing games or
updating your Facebook status.
Give
your full attention to those with whom you’re speaking or meeting as much as
possible, rather than allowing your attention to wander to a ringing cellphone
or a new text message. Although you may be able to multitask effectively, the
perception of you when you are typing on a device is that your attention is
divided.
Taking notes during a meeting or lecture
Smartphones
and tablets are a fairly new presence in meeting rooms, and unlike laptops,
they are usually associated with games, texting and other nonworking
activities. That can send a message that you aren’t paying attention. If you
would like to use your device to take notes, tell the other attendees, “I use
my iPad
or phone to take notes” as soon as you take it out. That way, no one will
question if you’re paying attention.
If
you like taking notes on your laptop, keep in mind that it can be a barrier
between you and others as the screen often blocks part of the other person’s
body or face. A tablet or phone may actually be a better way to take notes.
Reading personal emails or text messages on
portable devices.
Even
if you are discreet, it’s easy to get caught up in reading and answering
messages. You may wind up spending so much time hunched over your device that
you miss important social cues and signals that can only be picked up face to
face. Avoid doing this as far as possible. It is permissible, of course, while
there is a lull in the meeting or a break.
Answering cellphones at work
Generally
speaking, only important or work-related calls should be addressed. If it is
absolutely necessary, find a private place to talk — not the hallway or areas
where you can be overheard.
If
you are in a meeting, take only urgent calls. Let others in the meeting know
that you’re expecting the call, set your phone to the vibrate mode and leave
the room to answer it.
Don’t
wear your Bluetooth or other wireless headset. No one wants to stare at your
blinking blue light during his or her presentation.
Making sure attendees pay attention to the
speaker
This
situation usually arises during a conference lecture with a large audience. The
audience sometimes tends to pay more attention to their phones and tablets
rather then to the speaker.
To
make sure this does not occur, set ground rules for using the devices before
the meeting. Ask everyone to turn off phones or tablets in order to give full
attention to the presenters.
Adapted
from an article by Eilene Zimmerman in he New York Times published 10 March
2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/jobs/etiquette-for-using-personal-technology-at-work-career-couch.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120311
