Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you have a colleague’s full attention while they’re staring at their phone, stop wondering. You don’t. But instead of getting frustrated that coworkers constantly check their devices during meetings, take action.
o You might start by sharing research that shows even the mere presence of a cell phone — much less its glowing screen and constant buzzing — is bad for productivity.
o Then talk with your team about the upsides and downsides of using devices during meetings. Propose ground rules like “Be totally present” and “Keep the phone in your pocket.”
o The team could also agree to use a simple phrase like “Tech-check” as a friendly way of reminding someone to put their phone away. Once a few rules are in place, stick to them — and point out when a colleague doesn’t.
You might get some annoyed looks at first, but over time the team will set a new norm.
Adapted from “How to Get Someone to Put Away Their Phone and Actually Listen,” by Joseph Grenny and Kelly Andrews
Here’s a direct link to dozens of other Management Tips.
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