Random interruptions can only result in random, short and trivial answers.
In recent months much has been written about the huge boom in the use of the iconic BlackBerry handheld device among consultants and senior managers.
In a long article in Børsen on Tuesday 6 September, Henrik Ørholst of PA Consulting Group talks about how his dependency on the BlackBerry has become “heavy and solid” – a dependency that he cannot do without.
Another article in Børsen on 30 August, entitled “Senior managers’ handhelds growing apace”, talks about the enormous growth in the use of BlackBerrys among senior managers and businesspeople.
In the first place the article about Henrik Ørholst’s dependency appears captivating. The man is completely in thrall to this little thing – to such an extent that he even has to take it with him when he’s on his bike. When he stops at a red light he has time to check a couple of e-mails, and when he’s out shopping on a Saturday morning he can also manage a couple of e-mails!
Distracted minds
Although the BlackBerry is portrayed as a little marvel – a time-saving device for its owner, who can reply to e-mails whenever he has a spare 30 seconds – it is also quite clearly a source of distraction for the owners who are incapable of managing their leisure time flexibly.
It is obvious that neither Ørholst nor others are able to concentrate properly on the traffic or their shopping when they are constantly allowing themselves to be distracted and entertained by random e-mails, which divert their attention from the things that ought to be occupying their minds.
Dependency
In the case of Henrik Ørholst, this dependency affects his concentration in traffic and when shopping. However, it could just as well be the tasks he is supposed to prioritise in his daily work that are affected by these constant interruptions, which divert his attention and cause his mind to lose focus. No doubt he also has it in silent mode when he is participating in conferences or meetings, or when he has to concentrate on his – hopefully more interesting – daily work.
The “solid and heavy” state of dependency, which Ørholst unfortunately is not the only person to experience, is closer to gambling mania and autopilot than the ability to prioritise well. The excuse is pressure of work – you have just got time to fire off an extra, routine e-mail. People wish for flexibility and the chance to fill up wasted time. But this is not true! It is not due to pressure of work.
It is due to a lack of ability both to prioritise and to focus on what is important rather than on random trivia.
Flexibility requires you to be aware of what is important and what is unimportant, so that you know why you are engaged in a particular activity. When cycling, you should concentrate on this activity and not be distracted, and similarly you should concentrate on other important assignments in connection with your work.
Random interruptions can only result in random, short and trivial answers – and even less time, because your focus has been distracted. And what would the reaction of your wife, your clients and your employer be to this? I would be extremely irritated by a person who chose to cut himself off from what was going on around him.
There is not much doubt that many managers, consultants and other businesspeople, like Ørholst, have forgotten their real goals, and in doing so have ceased to focus on what is important in favour of games, autopilot and gambling mania. Give it a rest!
Also published in the Danish business newspaper ‘Børsen’, section 1, page 3, OPINION, on 13 October 2005.
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