Motto: I have important work to do, and can multitask.
Belief: I am able to do multiple things at once, and give each the
sufficient attention to get value from it. I’m not bothering anyone, so why not?
Behavior: Is typing on notebook computer, sending and receiving emails and tweets and IM on phone, and/or working on paperwork regardless of what else is going on.
Characteristics: Articulate, connected, overcommitted, busy, self-focused
Someone suggested calling this one “
Typist” or “
Emailer” or any of a number of other things. They all apply.
I was giving a presentation the other day at ITARC Atlanta, and a friend of mine was sitting in the back of the room with his computer open. It was a large room, with about 12 rows of tables and chairs, so my friend was way in the back. Still, I was aware of him working on his computer the whole time I was presenting. I knew he had a presentation the next day, and was probably working on his slides. I suspect that some of the attendees were aware of him working on his computer, and maybe it didn’t bother them. Still…
First of all, it doesn’t matter what the Terrible Tweeter believes about themselves, it’s distracting for others. Seeing/hearing someone typing and reading on some device, while I’m trying to focus on the meeting, is just distracting. Period.
Second, having been guilty of this myself, I can tell you that it’s not possible to give more than one thing appropriate attention, nor to derive real value if you’re not paying attention. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said “would you repeat that, please?” when doing something other than paying attention.
In fact, the Terrible Tweeter is one of the things I love about Open Space Technology. Why? Because folks who attend OS events seem to fully embrace the idea that anyone might not be completely engaged in what’s going on, and also that the spirit of OST allows them to say “what you’re doing is distracting me – would you mind either stopping or doing it elsewhere?” without leading to offense/hurt feelings, most of the time. It’s also entirely acceptable to tweet/blog/whatever within reasonable limits without it being distracting.
Take a look at the tweets that were posted during the recent ALT.NET Seattle Open Space Conference. There was a lot of value there. I have no doubt that some of the attendees were actually updating the event wiki during the sessions.
At most meetings and events, however, this kind of behavior is distracting and detrimental to the goals and purpose of the group.
Be engaged, or be disengaged. Don’t pretend to be one while doing the other.
The Terrible Tweeter is a perfect candidate for the Facilitation Four-Step.
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Motto: It’s worth repeating. It’s worth repeating. It’s worth repeating.
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