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Beyond the Fad
Everyone has a cell phone these days. The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association reports that the United States boasted over 236 million cellular subscribers as of May, 2007 – up from just 4 million in 1990.
With cell phone use engrained in our day-to-day work routines, their glamour and intrigue has worn off. Many people have grown weary of the “chatty Cathy” and “rude Roy” who seem to surround us wherever we go.
What Your Manners Say About You
How a person uses their cell phone says a lot. Bad cell phone manners negatively impact one’s reputation and aggravate others around them. While you may jump every time your ring tones jingle, others may cringe at the thought of having to listen to your end of a long-winded conversation. Especially if you’re holding up a line or there’s nowhere for them to escape the details of your latest office saga.
Show some consideration for those around you by keeping in mind proper cell phone etiquette:
- Be considerate of others. Unless it’s an urgent call, always put the person you’re speaking with in person above the person who’s calling. If you do have to leave your phone on for some reason, warn the person ahead of time, keep the call to a minimum time, and apologize.
- Keep the volume at a minimum. Today’s mobile phones provide superior sound quality, so it’s unnecessary for callers to raise their voices or yell into the receiver. While at work, keep your ring on vibrate and step outside your meeting for an in-depth conversation.
- Choose a professional ring tone. Select something that won’t annoy others while on the go, especially if you receive calls frequently.
- Avoid “on-the-go” communications. Speaking on a cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, it’s against the law in some states. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute notes that many companies have implemented formal policies that prohibit cell phone use while driving for business. Pull to the side of the road before placing or answering any call.
Value In-person Contact
Remember that face-to-face meetings offer the most personal, productive, and effective way to conduct business. Don’t rely on cell phones as a replacement for in-person conversation, but rather as a way to facilitate communication when callers cannot be in the same place at the same time.
Although the need for instant communication will continue to grow, that’s no excuse for bad manners. There’s a time and a place for everything; keep that in mind the next time you reach for your cell phone. |
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