SuperCompetent: The Six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best

Chapter 15. BlackBerry/CrackBerry

SUPERCOMPETENT Hero Thinking:	I know technology and my handheld are tools to help me be more productive—no addiction here.
SIMPLY COMPETENT Zero Thinking:	Wow, look at all the cool apps for my iPhone! I need to download this one, and this one, and this one . . .

I have a friend who jokes that there are always three people in her bed: herself, her husband, and her BlackBerry. A recent study confirmed people do indeed love their BlackBerries. According to an online article on WCBSTV.com (http://wcbstv.com/technology/BlackBerry.pda.sheraton.2.818223.html), "The study of 6,500 traveling executives says 35 percent of them would choose their PDA over their spouse." Wait a minute—people would choose a communications device over a loved one? If this is true, where the heck have we gone wrong?

Those handhelds, which were supposed to speed up our work and give us more free time, are actually multiplying our work and packing it with us wherever we go. With our handhelds in tow, we can carry our work—and our problems—in our purses or pockets, to interrupt us at the beach, the spa, or the supermarket—and even to break into bedroom activity. ("Oh, sorry, dear, it's probably the boss—I'll be right back.") Sure, an hour later . . . after the mood has worn off.

Yes, it's important to keep track of your business and be connected to your coworkers, clients, and leaders. Handhelds have made this easier, particularly for those who don't spend most of their time in the office. ...