Comments on The Career Revolution: BlackBerry User = Lower IQ = Bad For My Career?

As a heavy BB user, I turn it to phone only and av...

2007-09-28T14:53:00.000-05:00

As a heavy BB user, I turn it to phone only and avoid vibrate. Then I can check it once in a while.

As for the IQ thing, I really don't think that is valid until more proof comes out.

I found the distraction starting several years ago...

2007-09-28T09:12:00.000-05:00

I found the distraction starting several years ago as IT systems started becoming widespread. I've had a BBerry a few years. I agree that the distraction affects concentration, thus developing a "use" strategy is important. It bothers me when others in a meeting are jumping between the meeting and the device. Putting it on silent should be required during meetings. We have become accustomed to responding continually and those sending messages (including myself I guess) have developed the expectation of quick responses. I think 9 out of 10 times, the response could wait and it wouldn't significantly affect the business decision.
We're not going to get rid of the BBerry. It's become part of the business tool. As an aside, I recently bought my wife and myself an iPhone. I use it for personal tasks, carry it on the weekend (the Berry stays with the briefcase on weekends) and appreciate the playful side of the device. Playful meaning the fairly good quality camera, ability to carry photos, access web information, music, etc. The conversations I have with people about the iPhone are lower key, we look at things, laugh about pictures or strike up conversations on topics that the BBerry and the way it is used, don't generate.

I agree that using anything that can interrupt you...

2007-09-28T08:46:00.000-05:00

I agree that using anything that can interrupt you continuously is a negative on your work and thought performance. Using a blackberry incorrectly can cause "multi-task" overload with no focus or completion. Call it a crackberry or whatever you want I am keeping mine.

Receiving over 100 work related emails and texts ...

2007-09-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

Receiving over 100 work related emails and texts daily used to create exactly the partial attention deficit and information overload that you describe. For me the solution became simple, just turn the blackberry to silent mode. I now determine what the periodicity is going to be for reading and responding to messages, and my staff likes the fact that I am now fully present when in conversation with them. It took about a week to get over the withdrawal of feeling it vibrate in the holster every couple of minutes.

The BB is a great business tool. I love the simpli...

2007-09-27T15:49:00.000-05:00

The BB is a great business tool. I love the simplicity of having the email, calendar and contacts in one place with automatic sync to the home based server.

Of course you can misuse anything man creates, and lower your IQ while doing it.

I agree with you that it is a valuable career tool, a definite keeper.

Unlike caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or heroin, I ju...

2007-09-27T15:45:00.000-05:00

Unlike caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or heroin, I just don't understand the "addictive" nature of using a Blackberry. Could it be that the human brain gets accustomed to being interrupted and finds it difficult to regain the discipline of concentration?

I agree that having the tool is better than not ha...

2007-09-27T15:30:00.000-05:00

I agree that having the tool is better than not having the tool-especially on the road. I also found that managing the inbox was taking away from seeing and talking with clients, so I have my team email me when they need action from me versus a CYA.