Cell Phones: Communicating Without Annoying
24 February 2012
Read by 1628 persons
The cell phone, a personal and professional tool, has become an extension of our hand, our ear... in just fifteen years. However, let's not forget that using a phone shouldn't mean bothering others...
Protect your privacy
In the office, especially in open spaces, using a phone is often problematic. Cell phones are meant to stay on, but remember that communicating without bothering others is part of those everyday rules: good manners in the workplace.
Is it really necessary for your colleague to hear your entire conversation with your spouse, with whom you've been having some rough times? Do you think it's wise to share your conflicts with your mother-in-law with your whole team, listening intently? And if they were bored listening to your couple's stories or your child's school troubles...? Be serious; put your phone on vibrate and go talk somewhere else, in the hallway or near the coffee machine...
Be mindful of hours
There's a time for everything, especially contacting your professional contacts. Avoid contacting them during meal times or late at night. It seems more polite to postpone calls until the next morning after 7 pm, except in special cases. A disturbed person will always be a bad conversationalist.
Know when to turn it off
During lunch, and especially during a business lunch, remember to turn off your device, unless you're waiting for a specific call; in that case, the vibrate function is useful. If you need to make a call, do so discreetly, in a low and measured voice, and keep it short. Politeness requires that you don't impose this kind of intrusion on others. In meetings, it is strongly advised not to call or answer calls at all. Nobody enjoys talking to people who are staring at their phones, and even if you're not reprimanded, your colleagues and/or superiors will not have a good opinion of you...
Article written by ReKrute.com Team
Posted online February 24, 2012.
Protect your privacy
In the office, especially in open spaces, using a phone is often problematic. Cell phones are meant to stay on, but remember that communicating without bothering others is part of those everyday rules: good manners in the workplace.
Is it really necessary for your colleague to hear your entire conversation with your spouse, with whom you've been having some rough times? Do you think it's wise to share your conflicts with your mother-in-law with your whole team, listening intently? And if they were bored listening to your couple's stories or your child's school troubles...? Be serious; put your phone on vibrate and go talk somewhere else, in the hallway or near the coffee machine...
Be mindful of hours
There's a time for everything, especially contacting your professional contacts. Avoid contacting them during meal times or late at night. It seems more polite to postpone calls until the next morning after 7 pm, except in special cases. A disturbed person will always be a bad conversationalist.
Know when to turn it off
During lunch, and especially during a business lunch, remember to turn off your device, unless you're waiting for a specific call; in that case, the vibrate function is useful. If you need to make a call, do so discreetly, in a low and measured voice, and keep it short. Politeness requires that you don't impose this kind of intrusion on others. In meetings, it is strongly advised not to call or answer calls at all. Nobody enjoys talking to people who are staring at their phones, and even if you're not reprimanded, your colleagues and/or superiors will not have a good opinion of you...
Article written by ReKrute.com Team
Posted online February 24, 2012.
