Steve Marr.org

This week I have been in meetings where some folks paid more attention to their phones than the meeting.  Technology gives us an abundance of communication opportunities, but that pressure should not cause us to lose focus in meetings. Consider some recent examples. 

I was invited to attend a ministry meeting in my community. The host, who invited me, used most of the time to read and answer e-mails. His actions distracted others as well as kept him from focusing.  When asked to summarize the meeting, he could not.

Another time I was meeting with a client.  We were interrupted eight times while he checked and responded to messages during an hour and a half meeting. Each interruption caused loss of focus and lost time that my client was paying for.  

A third example put me in a meeting where everyone was using their phones or tablets. The format involved six people who were to give five minute updates followed by discussion.  I was making one of the presentations, but it was hard to stay focused because nobody made eye contact with me.  Everyone was focusing on their phones or tablets.

If we commit to a meeting, we need to stay focused on the meeting.  Otherwise, we gain nothing from the time. It would be better to skip the meeting if the work is that important.

At times I use my phone to take notes.  When I do, I mention to others what I am doing so they understand I have not checked out of the meeting.

Scripture reminds, “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” (Hebrews 5:11, NASB) Looking at our electronic devises during conversations makes us dull of hearing.

Steve Marr, Your Christian Business Coach

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