5 Lies about Your Phone
I remember when phones were the thing attached to a wall. I remember bag phones and flip phones. I own a smartphone.
My smartphone is tool. That's it. People will often comment about how I use (or mostly don't use) my phone. I often hear "I could never do that with my phone." I reply "try it."
- My cell phone is in my purse when I'm meeting with another person. It's not on my lap, in my hand, or on the table. It's in my purse. When I am with you, YOU are the most important thing to me. I want you to see that and feel that.
- When my cell phone rings and I'm with you, I'll excuse myself and check who called. I have a 90+ year old and a 100+ year old that rely on me for help. But if it's not a number associated with them I don't answer it. Yes, my husband knows to only call if it's an emergency, when I'm out to dinner or meeting with others.
- I text, but not constantly. I may check it a few times a day or not. If you need me for an emergency call me. If you text me, I assume it's not urgent. I realize parents with children may handle things differently, but generally, I do not feel the need to text back immediately. While I try to be prompt, I'm not waiting for your text and I don't expect you to be waiting for mine.
- My cell phone rarely goes to meetings with me. "But what if there is an emergency?" Read the first paragraph. The reality is I've had many emergencies in the past 3 years and folks were able to get in touch with me without any problems. However, if I am anticipating a critical call, I will take my phone with me. Otherwise, I like to be present in the meeting and not have my phone vibrating on the table. I would be distracted and that's not fair to others.
- My cell phone sleeps in the kitchen. If it rings during the night, it's easy to hear. "But what if you miss the call?" Trust me, if it rings at 2 am, I know who is calling and they will appreciate my immediate return call. It's a peaceful way to sleep and when the alarm goes off, I have to get up to shut it off--that's an additional perk.
I wouldn't give up my smartphone for a minute. I'd be lost without it. But I'd also be lost without coworkers who deserve my undivided attention, a family member who needs reassurance, a friend who needs to share a private problem or a colleague who wants to share her joy. If you want to know the true meaning of connected, sit beside someone and put your phone away.