My Take on the BlackBerry Debate
We know when someone is being rude to us. What we don’t agree on is what constitutes rude. (Paraphrase of Deborah Tannen)
The New York Times article “Mind Your BlackBerry or Mind Your Manners” raises the question if mixing texting with meetings is acceptable business etiquette. For some,”to ignore real-time text messages in a need-it-yesterday world is to invite peril.” For others, tapping while talking can hinder a possible business deal.
My take on the debate is to reflect on your relational skills. Am I acknowledging the person in my presence? Am I responding to their needs in a considerate way? Am I building or enhancing our relationship?
For me, the BlackBerry is out of sight, out of mind, while in the presence of others. What’s your take?
UPDATE Need a laugh on BlackBerry etiquette? Read Katie Couric’s Notebook.
What next?
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