I am guilty of this. I've been guilty of this since the PalmPilot Professional and Apple Newton 2100. I watch most people twiddling on their phones, smartphones, tablets, and laptops at most events I attend.
Would you like respect? Respect is mutual. If you would like my complete and undivided attention when you speak, I only ask for the same in return. Keep your phone in your pocket or purse, and I'll keep mine put away as well.
It's unreasonable to ask the world to stop for you, and to not have the same rules apply when others speak.
Reshared post from +Amanda Blain
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Minding the Lathe of Dreams
James Clark
August 2, 2012 at 9:52 am
Eh. If someone wants me to 'pay attention' to them they should have something interesting to say. The normal blah-blah-blah of meetings requires no attention because it's BS and filler.
Also, while a person is wasting my time, there's no reason I shouldn't take care of other meaningful contacts, quietly, and move their work ahead.
Now, this is balanced with the fact that I do pay attention and the proof is that I don't ask people to repeat what they just said or re-explain a concept. When it's time for my views or info, I'm ready.
Typhanie Sobriquet
August 2, 2012 at 10:23 am
I agree. I have a friend who doesn't understand this concept yet. She's not purposefully disrespectful, she just has her priorities wrong. She'll put a phone call or text above a person she's actually with and doesn't understand why that's off-putting to people.
Hopefully in time, most people will come around.
James Clark
August 2, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Ah yeah. There are orders of who gets attention but in general that is rude.