Stone Tablets and Chisels: Let’s Find a Better Way to Use Technology in Meetings

The Ten Commandments, 1956

Recently, I jumped into a debate on LinkedIn about the use of personal technology in meetings. Here’s the exact post that grabbed my attention:

I agree with most of this, and I’m actually a huge fan of Simon Sinek (the originator of the post). I recently wrote a positive blog about his teaching. My hang up is #2: “Encourage notetaking on paper instead of computers.”

Here was my response: “Why pencil and paper and not stone tablets and chisels? Leading Millennials to go low-tech isn’t the answer. Don’t fear technology. Embrace it and use it wisely.”

I completely empathize with the situation that created this suggestion. Yes, people bring their computers into meetings all the time and multi-task. Sticking your nose in your laptop and half-listening to the presenter is not only rude, it’s also ineffective.

This is a legitimate problem. Eliminating the laptop seems like the obvious solution. Why not?

1. I’m a technologist. I believe in technology. I believe digital is better than analog. If that’s wrong, then let’s all go back to the stone age, and I’ll find a new profession.
2. This exemplifies the digital generation gap. The context is non-millennials leading millennials on how to work. I don’t like stereotypes, and this advice reinforces them. I’m a late-model Gen-Xer, myself. I’ve certainly spent most of my life taking notes on paper. I’d sound like a grumpy old man telling youngsters to adapt to my familiar way of working. I might as well add to that “get off my lawn.”
3. It’s arbitrary. If computers are the problem, then why is a notebook and pen the answer? Isn’t that just a technology from another specific era? Why not a fountain pen on a scroll? Why not a chisel on a stone tablet?

Here’s the real solution, and as far as I am concerned, it’s generation-independent:

1. If you have other work to do, don’t go to the meeting.
2. If the meeting is boring, or doesn’t require your active participation, don’t go to the meeting.
3. Bring your technology (computer and phone) but keep the lid shut and the phone holstered as a starting point.
4. Turn off all audible notifications.
5. Only use your technology for reasons relevant to the meeting you are attending (viewing or sharing content, taking notes, researching, scheduling follow-ups, etc.)
6. When doing #5, remind yourself to continually make eye-contact with the presenter and other attendees. Stay present, both mentally and with your body language.

Modern productivity technology is far more effective and efficient than pen and paper. Use it, be disciplined, and be respectful. This is as much a reminder for me as it is for you. Last week, I wrote about using conference room technology. This week is all about using personal technology the right way. We all have an opportunity to be more effective in meetings and maximize (not minimize) the use of technology to do so.

Read this article on my blog site: https://zachonleadership.com/stone-tablets-and-chisels-lets-find-a-better-way-to-use-technology-in-meetings/