Interruptions

Imagine the following situation:

You are standing in the office, having a conversation with Jimmy. Anna walks up, she does not acknowledge Jimmy, she addresses you, so you answer her and turn your back at Jimmy and continue to talk to Anna. You would think that was pretty rude, right? And it’s probably a very rare situation?

Wrong. It happens all the time – with the use of technology: the mobile phone.

Why is it that we allow this to happen all the time? You’re having a conversation with Jimmy, your phone rings and you take it, interrupt the conversation with Jimmy and leave him standing there.

Why is it that the person on the phone is more important than the person you are having a conversation with?

I think it is just as rude as if it happened face to face.

We let technology excuse behaviors that we wouldn't allow in person.

I think we shouldn't.