"HOW IMPORTANT ARE WE REALLY?"

Have you heard it being called "The Crackberry?"

I have recently returned from a conference down in the States and eventhough on vacation - got extremely inspired to write this blog.   As an Image Consultant, I cover aspects of an individual or company's image/brand as well as behaviour and communications.  While vacationing, I was literally blown away at how many people are literally attached/addicted to their electronic devices.  A few examples of some of the things I observed: two men sitting at a table together having lunch with their feet up on the chairs and on their blackberry's for over a half-hour neither spoke or looked at one another; a man circling the pool area with his ear bud in pacing the entire area speaking really loudly; another man in the pool with a beer in one hand and his cell phone in his ear - expressing exhuberantly that he was in the pool with a beer in one hand while talking to whomever he was talking to.  I was on vacation... Listening to, distracted by the last two examples of individuals with an increasing lack of being unaware that their behaviour has an impact on others.   It is rude, self-indulgent and inappropriate to take calls, ignore conversations while reading your email at a dinner table and talk anywhere you want, when you want in public. 

Upon reflection, I feel quite sad that we cannot indulge in quiet enough and enjoy others around us, even if they are strangers.   Our electronic devices are a necessary tool for business.  I guess I question what divides need and the need to feel important.  How much of this incessant chatting and emailing is really necessary?  When I teach, I ask that the individuals either turn their electronic devices off or on silent. 

This is becoming a hot issue that perhaps people may need help with more of in the future, if I can be of assistance or address this to your staff, please see my website for further information at: Corporate Services