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Cell Phone Usage

October 4, 2002

About a month ago I wrote about an entrepreneur who destroyed our serene vacation by talking on her cell phone on a horse ride up into the Rocky Mountains. I received numerous e-mails about other people having similar horror stories. So I decided to play Ann Landers and recommend some cell phone etiquette.

Cell phones are so wonderful because they give us freedom. Sometimes, however, depending on where we use them, it is at the risk of offending others.

I think that most people do not really realize how offensive they are being with their cell phones. A survey of grocery clerks revealed that the thing that aggravated them the most was helping customers who spent the entire time on the phone while going through the check out line. This communicated to the clerk that the person on the cell phone was so much more important. Whether the customer meant to communicate this non-caring attitude or not, the clerk interpreted the behavior as non-caring. This perception of non-caring is what drives other folks nuts.

Many times I'll go into a meeting and strike up a conversation with someone, only to be interrupted by their ringing cell phone. No matter what we are talking about, the person interrupts our conversation to answer the phone. Again the message is that whoever is on the phone is more important than our conversation. I strongly recommend that you always keep your phone on "vibrate" and really realize how furious people get when you answer your phone at inappropriate times. Is there a law that says you must answer the phone if it rings? NO. Most people who call you want a prompt return call, but not necessarily an instantaneous answer. Use your cell phone voice mail to keep interruptions down.

If you must talk on a cell phone with other people around, try to remember that you are talking on the phone where other people can hear you. Have you noticed how loudly some people talk on the phone while being oblivious to those around them? People just do not want to hear you talk to your significant other or your employee. This is your business, but, by talking in a public place, you make it everyone's business.

Here are some my suggestions for No Cell Phone areas:

1. Restaurants
2. Places of worship
3. Movies
4. Cars (while driving)
5. Parties
6. Public places
7. Meetings
8. Whenever there is a group of people around that can hear you talk.

It used to be that having a cell phone was a status symbol. Now, however, cell phones have a reputation being a pain for others. Cell phones do serve a purpose, but let's use them prudently and with consideration for others.