Full Circle Associates

Can't focus on the teleconference? Join the club brings no great surprises.

"Workers are sharpening their multitasking skills--but the boss might not be so happy about how they're using them.

Ninety percent of people who participate in conference calls find things to keep them busy besides following the discussion, according to a new survey from audio and video conferencing company Raindance Communications.

Topping the list of distractions: doing unrelated work and looking for materials being discussed on the call. A full half of respondents said they read and write e-mail and instant messages during such calls, while just more than a third said they take the opportunity to fill their stomachs. Twenty-seven percent say they surf the Web during conference calls, while a third said they are guilty of pressing the mute button to talk privately with others.

So what do you do when you are leading or facilitating a teleconference? I wrote a bit about this on my website. Teleconference Call Tips. Have any to add?