If you are a NEXTer who has just entered the workforce, make sure you know when to turn off your tech tools. Although your BlackBerry will help you stay connected with fellow workers and friends, be sure to turn it off during meetings with senior members of your organization. Responding to e-mails while in meetings sends the message to your bosses that their meetings are not important. 

 

Earlier this year, I heard a real horror story from a partner in a major New York City Law firm. According to the partner, in January a still relatively new associate was invited to participate in a conference call along with the partner who was relating the story and a firm practice group leader. The new associate arrived in the practice group leader’s office just before the call was scheduled to begin. The associate grabbed a chair, pulled out his BlackBerry and immediately began thumbing away. Moments later the practice group leader dialed into the call. Well into the conference call, upon noticing that the associate was still working on his BlackBerry, the practice group leader placed the call on hold, muted his line, looked at the associate and asked, “What in the h**l are you working on that is more important than my call?”