How many times have you been disrespected? You could count the times that your spouse said something that was not the nicest thing to say at the time, or you could count one of your kids illustrating how unaware they are in regards to exactly how much you do for them. What if you counted the times that you were in a meeting or a presentation and a fellow audience member decided now was an opportune time to check the vital emails they constantly receive? And play some Candy Crush, since the phone is already out, right?
On the list of things that seem to annoy me more than I would like them to, this last one seems to hit towards the top of my list. Basically because at this moment I feel a lack of respect for myself, the presenter and everyone else in attendance. You see, I find it hard to believe that you can play on your phone and listen to what is happening. I also like to believe that when I am in a meeting or at a presentation that I am spending my time wisely.
If at any point I find myself at a presentation or meeting that I feel is not spending my time wisely and has no hope for improving, I leave. You could argue that this is being rude to the presenter. You could argue that I am interrupting those that are paying attention. I would agree with you, to a point. In the times I have left a meeting a little early I was informed by the mass of people with their faces pointed at their lap that maybe time could be spent better elsewhere.
But I did get out and on my way. My 10 second interruption for the few people near me was nothing compared to the endless, mind-numbing blobs next to me typing away on their phones.
Let’s face it, you may not be that important. If you were, you wouldn’t be in a presentation looking at your phone. You would be taking an action of some kind that includes movement and communication while not distracted. You would hire someone to go to the presentation and give you the report on what was missed. Spoiler alert: If you normally spend presentations staring at your phone, you likely missed nothing by not attending.
I should also mention that though you believe you are not annoying your neighbors, you truly are. There are only a few ways to get people’s attention. Noise and lights are two of them. Even with the sound off your phone emits light when in use. Do you suppose that using light in the same way some others use it, such as on ambulances, you are immune to the effects of light on humans? You cannot help but annoy everyone around you.
If you want to be constantly glued to your phone, be my guest. Just know that myself and others like me will not be sending you business, asking you for a meeting, or introducing you to smart people. We all have reputations to uphold. And if yours is maintained as operating the same way a screaming child at a restaurant is quelled, I cannot offer you much in help. Maybe I’ll send a pacifier your way. But only if you are really good.
My request is that you do me a solid favor. Anytime that you are with someone you know or at a function you are taking the time to attend, leave your phone in your pocket. There are thousands of interesting people to meet in this world. The most interesting of them are not reading about other people, they are who other people are writing about.
James is a Business Coach and Mentor for Draw In Customers. When he isn’t annoyed by people’s lack of human interaction, he meets with people. Real, in person, people that want to grow their business. If you are considering achieving your business success goals, leave your phone in your pocket until you are ready to call James at (608)210-2221.
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