Laptop or notebook and pen in meetings?

[IjustbelieveinMe]

I just started a new role in a university at an executive level in a project management role. I have always worked in universities and used a notebook and pen in various meetings or committees to take notes, and then I digitise the notes afterwards using SmartSheet or word etc. I use really nice Rhodia notebooks and a Lamy pen if that makes a difference lol!
In one on ones with managers I may use my laptop to show them what I am working on, but I prefer to write notes while we talk. But this week in the new role I realise everyone carry’s a laptop and as we sit the laptop opens. Am I falling behind the times turning up without a laptop and looking old? I am 52 but everyone’s younger than me apart from the senior managers etc, do I embrace the laptop or keep calm and carry on?

I’m still a pen and paper person, I process better with pen to paper and hate only ever seeing the tops of heads over laptops in meetings.

I always use my laptop as I can quickly pull up my calendar to check/add/amend any dates/deadlines we discuss. Likewise I can quickly refer to an email or read from prepared documents.

I think a laptop is mainly something to hide behind in a meeting, a comfort blanket , used for avoiding good eye contact, 'look how busy and important I am' etc.

I agree it is often not appropriate to be behind a laptop. I wouldn’t hold a management one-to-one with a laptop unless I knew the person very well, and I certainly wouldn’t hold any sort of uncomfortable/awkwars/sensitive meeting from behind a laptop. But a project meeting about progress/schedules/deadlines/technical advice doesn’t suffer too much from the reduction in body language or eye contact.

It's a bit like camera off. Good in a meeting of over 100 people, no good in one with 12, say.

I don't particularly like the laptop trend. Ime people get distracted with emails and teams messages that flash up. and often multi task. (I know I do when I have my laptop). I also think it makes everyone a bit less present - you may as well all be sitting in different rooms or on teams at home.

I know a lot of people don't use paper note pads anymore though.

What about using a tablet with a stylus?

All my notes for every meeting are in OneNote which is the standard at ours now. We’ve just led a digital transformation though at my HEI.

I don’t do sensitive/difficult/personal conversations with a laptop though, that’s about my only exception these days.

I just set up a new one note today for the first time for a paper I have to write. Pretty amazing really. I think I will always prefer to write in my book, but digital is the way forward to transpose afterwards. Great knowledge feedback everyone thank you 💐

I’m also 52 and I’m the only one who writes notes in a book rather than on a laptop in meetings. 🦕

I’ll keep doing it though. I absolutely love writing and it’s my only chance to do it nowadays. I buy a new Moleskine journal a few times a year and HAVE to use a particular pen. It’s one of the pleasures in my life.

Yes me too! I love using my Lamy pen or mechanical pencil to write with. Can’t use a normal biro! I have a background in design and it flows from that, I just can’t change

I always always have a note book and fountain pen with me. I have a laptop too, but it does not replace my note book and Kaweco brass fountain pen that I write in deep pink ink onto a real paper note book.

My next upgrade will be a quill and inkpot, writing on parchment...

It is so much more satisfying to do hand writing than to type onto a lap top. Think Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton.

I'm a similar age and I use a pad and pen. I don't care if I look like a dinosaur! 🦕

I am very fussy about stationery and love a Moleskine notebook with a sharp pencil or a fountain pen, but for work I use an iPad and Apple Pencil. I am across multiple sites and dealing with highly confidential matters, and if I left my notebook somewhere it would be a GDPR shitshow.

By all means stick to analogue pen and paper but make sure that you are aware of your responsibilities when it comes to other people's data and that you aren't vulnerable to sanctions.

Not dinosaurish at all, I actually think it's trendy to write with a fountain pen (not Biro) and paper, especially a beautiful notebook.

@PlumpAndDeliciousFatcat I hear what you are saying. However, most of the time, I have trouble trying to make sense of my own notes let alone anyone else, completely out of context.