Smartphone etiquette

Is cellphone etiquette any different than email etiquette? That’s a good question!  I am asked about cellphone etiquette as though by the mere existence of the device, courtesy and common sense do not apply.  The most commonly asked question is about checking and responding to messages when others feel it is inappropriate.  A few examples include: at the dinner table, during meetings, in church, or while in a conversation with another person.

Etiquette, in the simplest terms, is about behaving in a manner that demonstrates courtesy and respect through your actions.  Proper technology use, whether it be e-mail, iPads, or cell phones (including BlackBerrys, iPhone, Droids, anything requiring you to communicate with someone other than the person you are current with or event you are attending), does not include doing what you want without consideration for others or for proper high tech etiquette.

Courtesy and perception go hand in hand.  Without courtesy, the perception you give will tell people exactly what they need to know about you – and it will not be positive.  Follow these 5 tips to make sure your etiquette actions leave a positive impression:

Always Be Prepared: If you know ahead of time that you must respond to a message or call during a meeting, let the speaker or the person running the meeting know ahead of time and apologize in advance.  Put your phone on vibrate, and out of sight. Then, excuse yourself from the meeting and respond to the message or call outside.

Meeting Management: If it is necessary to reference your smartphone or cellphone throughout a meeting for calendar or e-mail records, place it face-down on the table to show others that they have your full attention the rest of the time.  Make sure both the audible and vibrate notifications are off!

Confidentiality:  Leave confidential and private information at the office.  I had a client recently find someone’s smart phone device on the seat of an airplane.  It was still on, and all the information and e-mails were available to read. Don’t let this happen to you!

Appearances Can Be Deceiving:  Don’t assume that conducting business on a smart phone during a meeting will be excused. You may think you are being productive and might even feel like you look important, but it’s a good bet your coworkers think you are being a bit pretentious.  


Alone Time:  Avoid looking at your phone during alone time with family and friends. Your full attention should be given to those in your presence.  Frankly, this should also apply to your business colleagues.
 

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Kay teaches people how to improve their image to enhance their professional and personal success. Recognized as a corporate consultant, motivational speaker, educator, and transformation artist, with 20 years of business experience. Kay challenges people to step out of their comfort zone so they can accelerate change and improve in the areas of appearance, self-esteem, and etiquette. Kay has used her energetic and caring style to empower thousands of people to reach new levels of professional and personal excellence. Kay can be contacted at (714) 665-8866, kay@kayhunter.info, www.kayhunter.info.