Cellphones in Meetings

Do you hate cellphones in meetings as much as I do? Ringtones annoy me beyond what I can express here. I have started to classify people with cellphones in meetings. Here is my first pass at describing the different classifications:

The “In Your Face” cellphone guy- This person has changed the tone on his “stun” setting to be just as loud and obnoxious as his incoming phone call ringtone. He wants you to know he is important and that he just got an important call.

The “In and Out” cellphone gal - This person has their phone on “stun” and takes every call. She leaves the room to talk to be courteous. After she leaves the room for the third time, she has become disruptive.

The “Multitasking” cellphone guy - This person pretends to listen to whomever is talking in the meeting, but is on the phone. Since none of us can really multitask (another topic), this guy is on the phone conducting another meeting.

The “Dial-in” cellphone gal. This person is dialing into the Polycom, because she can’t be at the meeting physically. She takes another call on her cellphone as someone asks her a question. Everyone in the meeting thinks the line is dead. They call her back and get a busy signal.

Years ago, I was in a meeting - about 15 people. Our customer was on the cellphone dialed into the meeting. He was the Director of the unit we were dealing with. Tough guy, loud, in your face. You know the type. “I am important!”

He monopolized most of the meeting by talking and talking. On and on. “Yeah, I’m at the airport right now ready to catch my flight,” he told us. I was annoyed. So were others. As he continues to pontificate away, we heard a toilet flush.

I almost fell off my seat.

Have a great weekend.