IBM’s CEO disagrees with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s disdain for texting in meetings: ‘Telling people they can’t use their technology would be weird’

As employees resume working in offices, many CEOs are revisiting basic meeting etiquette, particularly the issue of employees using their devices during meetings. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has been outspoken about his expectations for full attention during meetings. At a Fortune event in 2025, he stated that if an employee's iPad appeared to be engaged in email or notifications, he would instruct them to close it, deeming it disrespectful.

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, however, takes a different view, arguing that it would be "weird" for a tech company to prohibit employees from using their devices, especially in larger meetings where technology can be a useful tool. Krishna distinguished between small, intimate meetings and very large ones, stating that in smaller gatherings, he would "frown upon" someone disengaged in their phone, suggesting they return when they have time.

Dimon's frustration with meetings extends beyond small gatherings, as he has emphasized the importance of scheduling meetings only when necessary and making them productive in his annual shareholder letters. His return-to-office mandate, requiring JPMorgan employees to work in the office five days a week, may be partly aimed at improving the quality of meetings in person.

Experts like Gary Rich, founder of executive coaching firm Rich Leadership, emphasize the importance of good meeting etiquette, encouraging attendees to put their devices away to avoid distracting the speaker and creating a negative impact on the meeting's productivity.