Checking Texts in Meetings

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't call someone out publicly in a meeting like that. But I would say something to them afterwards.

Texting, and perhaps even worse, scrolling while in a meeting is very rude. I work with people who scroll all the way through trainings at my job and I try to not sit near them as I find the constant movement of of their hand distracting. It isn't just about the person who is checking the phone missing what is going on, it can effect other people.

That said, if you have a serious situation and need to check your phone and return a text, fine, everyone can understand that. But that isn't what most people are doing on their phone (not at my work anyway -- it's all doom scrolling).

You don't even know the difference between effect and affect, so you can shut it. Other people are far more intelligent than you, and can multi-task.

Wowwwe you know how spell a word. You're almost as knowledgeable as a whole dictionary! Are you open to a new opportunity? I need to hire someone who can spell words good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My program's top guy (Assistant Secretary of a mid-size Fed agency) would call you out during meetings (not openly). If he sees someone checking phone during meetings/Teams, you will hear from him (via one of his assistants) within 5 min.

I am SO grateful I don’t work under someone like this. I bet he has someone who handles things like that (EA, spouse, whatever).

People should be allowed to glance at their phone for something around their kids safety?! How is anyone defending the manager in the OP?!

I wish I did work for someone like this. Checking a phone during a meeting is unprofessional, and I hate it when people do it -- allowing it contributes to an unprofessional work environment.

Do you work somewhere work gets done? The rest of us just show up where required to get paid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't call someone out publicly in a meeting like that. But I would say something to them afterwards.

Texting, and perhaps even worse, scrolling while in a meeting is very rude. I work with people who scroll all the way through trainings at my job and I try to not sit near them as I find the constant movement of of their hand distracting. It isn't just about the person who is checking the phone missing what is going on, it can effect other people.

That said, if you have a serious situation and need to check your phone and return a text, fine, everyone can understand that. But that isn't what most people are doing on their phone (not at my work anyway -- it's all doom scrolling).

You don't even know the difference between effect and affect, so you can shut it. Other people are far more intelligent than you, and can multi-task.

Wowwwe you know how spell a word. You're almost as knowledgeable as a whole dictionary! Are you open to a new opportunity? I need to hire someone who can spell words good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would let the text sit. If you get a chance to peek and no one is bleeding or on fire.. or missing their flight, then leave it.

Just because a DD wants to let you know they got to the gate, they’re fine. Let the kid travel. If they’re independent enough to travel, let them do it without text handholding.

It's not about the kid. It's about looking alpha in front of the boss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it’s an emergency, wouldn’t they call?

Seems like something that could have been avoided.

This. My kids can do a “Find my phone” and override my DND for a real emergency to get my attention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it’s an emergency, wouldn’t they call?

Seems like something that could have been avoided.

People under 35 don’t call. For anything.

Yeah, I can imagine texts from my teens that said things like "Mom, I got into a car accident and I'm standing by the side of the road and don't know what to do." Or "mom my flight got cancelled can you rebook me im at the airport and dont know what to do". or 'mom i lost my wallet can you okay apple pay on my phone becuse i am stuck right now". They would not call for any of those.

I have received texts during meetings that say "mom there is an active shooter in my school and we are in lockdown do you know anything about whats happening". More than once actually!

I’m sorry, your kids need some lessons in life skills. My 15 year old knows to call when it is something like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a millennial and it’s 100% okay and I do it and I expect others to do it too. It’s called multitasking. Sorry boomers you can’t deal.

Is this satire?

[Anonymous]

Boomers need to calm down and retire

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would let the text sit. If you get a chance to peek and no one is bleeding or on fire.. or missing their flight, then leave it.

Just because a DD wants to let you know they got to the gate, they’re fine. Let the kid travel. If they’re independent enough to travel, let them do it without text handholding.

It's not about the kid. It's about looking alpha in front of the boss.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just out of a meeting with visiting managers from NYC. A colleague of mine was 'scolded' by our manager for looking at a text. Visiting managers said nothing. Guy who checked his phone didn't apologize and actually said- 'yeah, my kid is traveling today so I'll continue to check texts from her'.

It was definitely an 'eff you' to the guy who called him out. The whole thing was awkward, and I don't think anything should have been said to begin with

Thoughts?

Manager was trying to show off by scolding colleague and it backfired.

It was stupid to call it out, especially by scolding. I have never been to a meeting that required 100% attention every moment. Usually there is a fair amount of people talking to hear themselves talk.

In any event, if the manager had come at it less aggressively ("Carl, I noticed you checking texts in the meeting. Is something going on?") he could have gotten his point across that he didn't appreciate it without looking like an a$$ and your colleague probably would have responded less aggressively as well ("Yes, sorry, my kid is traveling solo today so I'm monitoring to make sure there are no emergencies"). Assuming that you colleague usually does good work, there is no reason to scold him like a child.

Exactly. And your use of the term "scolding" is right on. If he wants a professional environment, start with respect and not treating colleagues like children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it’s an emergency, wouldn’t they call?

Seems like something that could have been avoided.

This. My kids can do a “Find my phone” and override my DND for a real emergency to get my attention.

Agree that a phone call is more likely for a true emergency.

I find it very unprofessional for colleagues to keep looking at their phone during a meeting. I am surprised by all of the supportive responses.

[Anonymous]

PP again and also completely agree with this:

Anonymous wrote:
Just because a DD wants to let you know they got to the gate, they’re fine. Let the kid travel. If they’re independent enough to travel, let them do it without text handholding.

The need for constant check-ins with your kid is crazy.

[Anonymous]

This issue has rapidly shifted over time. 10 years ago= rude and now it’s normal.

[Anonymous]

Phubbing

Is the term and it is very rude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a millennial and it’s 100% okay and I do it and I expect others to do it too. It’s called multitasking. Sorry boomers you can’t deal.

Is this satire?

I’m the poster - no, it’s not. I’m a manager and truly don’t care, truly. Our unit is excelling and it’s not bc we’re texting or not texting in meetings.