Cellular phones can be beneficial because they make it easy to reach an individual any time, any place. Cellular phones can also be a nuisance for the same reason.
The rules for cellular phone etiquette can help you use your cellular phone to your own advantage, without offending anyone around you. The rules for cellular phone etiquette are:
Be respectful of others
Being respectful of others means limiting the use of your cellular phone to appropriate places. If you sense that someone is bothered by your cellular phone conversation, move to a more private location, consider calling the person back at another time, or at least lower your voice.
Protect confidentiality
The use of cellular phones brings with it issues of confidentiality. Not only do you need to be aware of people overhearing your conversation, it is also fairly easy for someone to intercept a cellular call and listen in on your conversation.
Cellular phones are not the communication tool of choice for discussing confidential information. Though it is illegal, analog cellular phone conversations can be easily intercepted. Sometimes, other callers can hear your conversation accidentally through the lines. Be careful about what you say.
When you use a cellular phone in public, assume that everyone around you can hear you. Sometimes, people can't help but listen. Save personal conversations and details about your private life for a more appropriate setting.
Manage calls effectively
The cellular phone is supposed to make communication easier and more efficient. If you manage calls effectively, most likely you'll find communication is more efficient. If you do not, you become a slave to your cell phone, available at all hours of the night and day.
Very few people are so important that they must be available instantaneously. Likewise, very few calls are so important that they must be taken that very second. Most cellular phones have the capability to be placed on vibrate instead of ring. Most also feature caller ID, which lets you know who is calling.
Placing your cell phone on vibrate while you're in a meeting or in a restaurant allows you to screen your calls subtly. That way, if you're expecting a truly important call, you can politely excuse yourself to attend to the matter.
Conduct yourself professionally
If you use your cellular phone for business, even some of the time, it is important to remember that any time your phone rings, it could be a colleague, customer, business associate, or even your boss. Whether you're in your office or on the golf course, it is important to remember to conduct yourself professionally, each and every time you answer your cellular phone.
While there's nothing wrong with playing a round of golf on a beautiful spring day, or taking time out to attend your child's school function, it's unprofessional to try to respond to business calls on your cell phone from those locations. Additionally, it is inconsiderate to the people around you.
Assume that every time your cellular phone rings, that the caller on the other end is an important business contact and respond accordingly.
Cellular phones are a great example of telephone technology that revolutionized the way business is conducted. By providing ready and relatively low-cost access, cell phones have greatly increased efficiency in the business world.
With the rules for cellular phone etiquette, you can enjoy the increased efficiency associated with having a cellular phone without compromising your professional reputation or disturbing others.