On The Job Too Long, by Eric Smith

George chaired the product development meeting. Twelve folks sat around the table, staring into their devices—some half-listened while multi-tasking; others ignored their surroundings, answering emails. The attendee list also comprised thirty employees from two additional locations, on screen and via teleconference. Who knows what they were up to? George intoned the project’s strategy, schedule, budget, team composition, subcontracting structure. When he presented detailed talking points he noticed no one was listening. Two groups began whispering in side-meetings, while others left the room to take calls. George realized his time had passed—he’d never adjust to this brave new world.