Why Smart Leaders Don’t Bring Smartphones to Meetings
Why Smart Leaders Don't Bring Smartphones to Meetings
According to new research, it appears that the most effective leaders don’t bring their phones to meetings.
And this doesn’t mean simply stowing a device so that it’s out of sight in a pocket or a bag. Nor does it mean just turning it off.
It means never even bringing a smart phone into a room whenever human interaction is involved.
Sound extreme?
Here’s what smart leaders know that others don’t.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
A recent barrage of studies suggests that leaders who purposely leave their phones in another room during conversations with colleagues, clients, and coworkers perform at a very high level. Interestingly, their interactions are far more focused, supportive, and energetic than their counterparts who simply power down or stow their smartphones in their pockets or bags.
Not surprisingly, leaders who leave their phones on the table during conversation perform the worst of all.
Said differently, having your smartphone near you during interactions with others dramatically impacts your performance as a leader — and not for the better.
Because people underestimate their use of digital devices by more than 40 percent (!), it’s essential that you take a step back and objectively quantify how much time you are currently interacting with your smartphone. You can do this by leveraging some (free) very powerful features on your device.
The Power of Leading by Example
Message #1: You matter to me.
Smart leaders understand that what people want most from you are to be seen and to be heard. By eliminating the distraction of your smartphone from the equation, you can offer both.
Message #2: This group matters to me.
By eliminating the distraction of your digital device during group encounters, you are taking a big step forward in maximizing the entire group’s functionality. Conversations become more meaningful, relationships blossom, and good feelings become the norm.
Message #3: Your time matters to me.
One of the biggest pet peeves of people in the 21st century is the wasted time spent in never-ending meetings. By eliminating the presence of your smartphone, you are letting everyone around you know that you respect each other’s time and that you want to make the most of it.
Consider A “No Smartphones in Meetings” Policy
Because smartphones possess enormous power to derail your interaction and cohesiveness with others, you may want to consider a “No Smartphones in Meetings” policy.
Here’s a terrific example of one that has been adopted by several forward-thinking leaders throughout the country.
See Light, Be Light, Spread Light
“In a time where great leadership is lacking, you have an opportunity to be different. Through leading by example when it comes to the use of your smartphone, you can send a very clear message that it’s “people first, technology second.”
See Light, Be Light, and Spread Light.
