Starting with the Pebble and evolving to the latest version of the Apple Watch, smart watches have gained more and more functionality for their owners. Weather, apps, texting and now even making calls can be done right through the watch. The question is though, just because we can, should we?
Many of these features have added convenience for the user when they can not easily access their smart phone, for example when working out. But what about when you shouldn’t be accessing your smart phone anyway, such as while driving or in a meeting. Think about how distracting it used to be when everyone would pull out their phones every time they get a text and check it during a meeting. Is it any less distracting for them to be constantly looking at their watches instead? All we have done is move it to a different screen which is still inappropriate if you are supposed to be paying attention to something else. And if that “something else” is driving, it is no safer to read a text on your wrist than on your phone.
My advice would be to use the do not disturb features of these devices when you are supposed to be focused on something else. It could save the sale, the business relationship, or even perhaps a life.
As an experienced entrepreneur and business advisor since 1997, Mike Giuffrida from Southington CT brings a unique perspective to business operational challenges. He has helped organizations in the areas of business management, profitable growth, business valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and information technology managed security services.