BROADCASTS.com

b"

Let's ponder how meeting interruptions have evolved. Ready? In the beginning, only the boss' secretary had the power to interrupt a meeting. Next came tone-deaf bosses who ignored cell phone ringtones, followed by boundaryless bosses who partook when fast food aromas overwhelmed the business agenda.

And today, what have we? Cute kittens? Pawing puppies? Potty tots? Sulking spouses? Another package delivery? In fact, almost anything may pause a meeting.

Which is just another reason I miss those disciplined and disciplinarian gatekeepers. They knew how to keep the boss in line, focused, and performing to the benefit of us all.