Are Cell Phones Hindering Business Meetings?
We have a love-hate relationship with technology – especially with our cell phones. There are distinct benefits of remaining connected to our clients, teams, and to our families during long work days. Yet, the constant notifications, calls and flashes are distractions that impact our productivity.
Does banning cell phones from business meetings work? Is doing so even the right solution?
We stare at our phones for many hours each day. The pressure to keep up with business and personal demands, respond to messages expeditiously, and to "get it all done" in a typical work day is intense. The temptation to work on tasks from your phone while in a meeting may seem like a good use of time, but studies show that multitasking lowers productivity and has a negative impact on attention span.
Are cell phones the real problem in business meetings? When you need your attendees to listen and make decisions during your meetings, but you suspect they are overly focused on text and email messages, banning cell phones and related devices may seem like a reasonable option.
Studies have demonstrated that people are more engaged in a group without cell phones present, but technology itself might not be the main problem. Commanding the attention of your audience starts with effective communication. In other words, are YOU actually the problem?
Making Your Meetings Work
The ability to connect with your audience, get your message across, and have them retain and act upon the information exchanged – is crucial. Attention spans are short, with or without cell phones. If your message isn’t connecting with your audience, your meeting either lacks purpose or you’ve invited the wrong people. If your communication is poor, removing technology will only remove a distraction; it won’t create engagement.
Having a successful meeting starts by making the meeting less painful:
Make sure the meeting is necessary
Only invite the people who need to be there
Keep it focused
Maybe fewer meetings, each with a higher level of purpose, is a better idea.