Establishing proper BlackBerry etiquette

Posted by Joe on June 25, 2009 | 8 comments | Filed under : BlackBerry Issues

How touchy is the subject of BlackBerry etiquette? It’s something the business world has been wrestling with for years now, and with so many smartphones hitting the market over the past few years it’s become an even bigger issue. People tap away at their BlackBerry (or other) devices while others speak, and it gets mixed receptions. Some think it’s perfectly alright, while others believe it disrespectful to the speaker. Alex Williams of the New York Times takes a look at the issue.

The argument for the in-meeting BlackBerry users is that they’re conducting real-time business that can’t wait until after the meeting. Those conducting the meeting, of course, can feel slighted because of the lack of attention. After all, if everyone is tapping away at a smartphone, what’s the point of having the meeting in the first place?

There are no hard and fast rules, and the environment varies from company to company. From a post on Dealbreaker: “Wells Fargo will fine you $100 for looking at your Blackberry during a meeting.” Other companies look the other way. Still others allow it, but don’t like it.

While the rules on etiquette vary from place to place, it would be nice to get some kind of universal ruling on some issues. When can you check your BlackBerry without others thumbing their nose at you? If you’re so inclined, use the comments section to propose your own rules for BlackBerry etiquette.

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1 Ramona April 22, 2011 at 12:22 pm: It is always rude to check your blackberry during a meeting. It’s the same as nodding off. What I find to be most offensive, is those that use their blackberry as a device to delegate their work to others. If you are out of the office, don’t forward you’re to me–unless you are my boss!
2 JeffB June 26, 2009 at 8:01 am: I like to use my BB to take notes during meetings. I will usually let everyone else in the meeting know what I am doing. But depending upon who is in the meeting I am sometimes uncomfortable doing it. I do not want to make a bad impression.
3 Mimi June 25, 2009 at 5:26 pm: I’m guilty of using sms all the time but if I’m having a conversation or a meating or @ a doctors office my BB will be on SILENT. Its very aggravating to have a conversation with a teenager I confiscate all the BBs in my house @ diner time.
4 DavidB June 25, 2009 at 12:57 pm: IMO, Rude, always. Turn it off. I call bullshxt on those who claim “time critical” while in a meeting for what should be your business.
That said, those running meetings where prohibited need to recognize and allow breaks for checking.
5 Scott A. Wenders June 25, 2009 at 9:20 am: Etiquette depends a lot on the rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

If you are expecting a very important call, let the other attendees in a meeting know that before hand. When the call comes, step out of the room to take the call, and keep it short. Continually checking Email on your BlackBerry smartphone during a meeting is just plain RUDE. The leader of the meeting and those in attendance expect to have your full attention and participation. It also shows that you respect them and the reason the meeting is being held.

I once was having lunch with a friend who kept answering his phone and having extended conversations. I got up and walked out because I found this behavior egregious. When he asked me why I walked out, I told him that having casual telephone conversations in front of a person you are spending time with implies (1) that the person on the phone is more important than the one in front of you; and (2) that you do not value very much the attention and time this friend is giving you.

Etiquette demands that we treat others with respect. What is more respectful than giving someone your full attention while you are in their presence?
6 Dale Elder June 25, 2009 at 9:07 am: I feel it all depends on what you are doing on your smartphone. If you’re in a meeting and what your typing on your phone has a reference to the meeting, I feel it’s perfectly fine. For example while in your meeting you put your notes into the during there meeting then its ok. Now if you are emailing someone because you’re bored then that’s completed rude and people should be held responsible but there’s no polite way to find out what peopleare
7 Jim June 25, 2009 at 8:49 am: I’m one of those who find the use of Blackberrys (or any phone/electronic device) offensive in a meeting. Sure, when I’m bored, the first thing I want to do is check my email or do just about anything to take my mind off the waste of a particular meeting. But I find it rude to those conducting the meeting as well as the rest of the attendees. If there is business that can’t wait until after the meeting, then don’t attend. You’re not getting anything out of the meeting anyway. I just don’t see how an argument can be made for proper use of one during a meeting unless it is part of the presentation or discussion. It’s just as rude as using the phone during a movie or theater production.
8 Justin June 25, 2009 at 8:42 am: I attended a meeting organized by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association where checking your phone would get you kicked out. They also mentioned no “Crackberry prayer”.

Personally, I think tapping away at emails is not so bad as long as it is kept to a minimum. I will usually put my BB on vibrate and can tell if it is a message or a phone call. If I have received a message, I will usually just glance at who sent it and determine it’s importance. If it is extremely urgent and I can solve at the moment, I will make a quick reply. If not, I will wait.

On the other hand, why not use your BB to take notes at the meeting?

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