I've recently taken a new job with a company that is a big user of wireless laptops. All our buildings are hot spots so you can literally go anywhere to work, including meetings. We have the technology but it seems that we haven't gotten to the point of setting boundaries around our 'freedom'. Anyone have any experience, reference materials, or other tools around appropriate etiquette in this sort of environment? Saving Changes...
Renee, can you give us a little more information on what you mean?
I've worked in wireless environments and found that the extra mobility enabled people to work as networked teams, often in conference rooms instead of the office. I'd be interested to learn more of what you mean by wireless etiquette.
Looks Renee had posted this couple of years back and her concern has been people not understanding the value of freedom using technologies
I can just add my 5 cents to this, laptop or matter of fact true for any other information churning devices like mobile phones, PDA, digital diary these are good to have with you in meetings, public places/events (restaurants, seminars, classrooms), concern is people do not realize that basic etiquettes should be there to use these in a manner that will not cause distraction and also not give a impression that one is not interested in the event.
Thanks,
Vinay
Saving Changes...
Sheanette MorelandQuality Lab Technician| MacLean FiberglassNewberry, Sc, United States
Shortly after reading your post, I have heard, and I believe seen some kind of device you can utilize for your data storage, including computer privacy. I can not deliver the name right now (short-minded at this time-)). I have a laptop, but it has a connection of it's own, making my services private and secure. Maybe you want to check out the devices in Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, or a computer accessories location near you. Saving Changes...
Bruce HarphamEditor & Author| ProjectManagementHacks.comToronto, Ontario, Canada
Hi,
As a general guideline, I would suggest avoid using a laptop in meetings (unless you are using to present data or slides). It tends to disengage people from the discussion.
Bruce
ProjectManagementHacks.com Saving Changes...
Tom MillerConsultant| dba: Galenson ConsultingLawrence, Ks, United States
I will make an elementary observation. I hope the company in question is using encrypted Wifi as well as VPN on all the laptops.
Some laptops have very narrow video focus which means almost no one can see what is on your screen. This is a great security feature unless your trying to do a presentation on the laptop not with a projector.
So like a lot of this... the answer is "it depends" on security as well as etiquette. Saving Changes...
I normally would agree with Bruce. On a recent project with a new client, I was surprised to attend meetings with a large number of people who would come with their laptop and open them up for the duration of the meetings.
What is good etiquette for one company is not necessarily good etiquette for the next. Saving Changes...
Steven ZacharyDirector| Alberta Health ServicesCalgary, Alberta, Canada
Ultimately it is your responsibility for your own actions, despite companies investments in proper security. I would ensure you proect the companies assets at all time. Saving Changes...
Jomon JosephService Delivery Manager| CGIBangalore, Karnataka, India
There are multiple questions which come in to me with this.
1. How to ensure data security
2. How not do distract others
3. Understand that there could be group of people working in a similar interest
4. Should not be an odd man
5. Should not make people feel odd.
6. Meeting rooms should be used for meetings.
7. If not using, leave the place for others.
8. Do not make the place a private place. Saving Changes...
Ed HammerbeckSenior Application Developer/Analyst| Louisville Water CompanyLouisville, Ky, United States
I worked at a place where this one C-level guy would routinely come into meetings, set up his laptop, and start typing away. He wasn't taking notes. He was clearly answering emails, working documents, etc. -- anything but paying attention to the meeting. If I could have mustered the courage, I would have encouraged him to leave and take care of his higher priorities. I think it's rude most of the time. It shows disinterest and distraction.
Having said that, I take notes with my laptop regularly in meetings. I guess I should take my own advice, but it's just easier to capture my notes in my system of record. But I take great pains to demonstrate active listening when I am not typing.
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1 reply by Eduard Hernandez
Jan 18, 2016 7:04 AM
Eduard Hernandez
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You made a very valid point. What I try to do (and not always with success) is to send ground rules to all meeting participants, which include being on time, no cell phone and no laptops.
Whether attendants decide to follow this rules or not, it is up to them, but it is also important to invite to the meeting ONLY that the people that are strictly necessary.
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
Jan 14, 2016 8:51 AM
Replying to Ed Hammerbeck
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I worked at a place where this one C-level guy would routinely come into meetings, set up his laptop, and start typing away. He wasn't taking notes. He was clearly answering emails, working documents, etc. -- anything but paying attention to the meeting. If I could have mustered the courage, I would have encouraged him to leave and take care of his higher priorities. I think it's rude most of the time. It shows disinterest and distraction.
Having said that, I take notes with my laptop regularly in meetings. I guess I should take my own advice, but it's just easier to capture my notes in my system of record. But I take great pains to demonstrate active listening when I am not typing.
You made a very valid point. What I try to do (and not always with success) is to send ground rules to all meeting participants, which include being on time, no cell phone and no laptops.
Whether attendants decide to follow this rules or not, it is up to them, but it is also important to invite to the meeting ONLY that the people that are strictly necessary.
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1 reply by Rose Green
Jan 19, 2016 7:31 AM
Rose Green
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I have a MS Surface that I use to take hand-written notes. It has quite literally transformed my working life and reduced my paper consumption to (almost) zero.
I never open email or documents unrelated to the meeting. I also consider it very rude when other people do so.
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