USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ETIQUETTE

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