July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

It is quite a statement that we have a month dedicated to cell phone courtesy, isn't it?

We are busy people and it appears that we have an unquenchable thirst for being connected at all times.

In a recent survey conducted by ABC News' "20/20", 87% of respondents said that they encounter all forms of rudeness from cell phone users, including cursing, interruption of conversations to take a call or read an incoming e-mail.  We like the jazzy Blackberries and iPhones; however, we also crave the attention of people we are interacting with face-to-face.

Nokia has published Five Basic Cell Phone Rules and Sprint has released a podcast at http://podcast.sprint.com which features Jacqueline Whitmore who is the originator of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month.  So the providers of cell phones are recognizing the need to bring attention to the common courtesies of human interaction.

Mom was right when she cautioned, "Be polite."  "Use your manners." !  Those basic good manners are fundamental in today's business world, too.  Let's not forget.

One important tip from the cell phone providers is:  Be all there.  When you are involved in a meeting, be fully present with the people who are with you in the meeting.  Direct your calls to voicemail.  Learn to use the silence mode on your phone.  Your customers, staff and family will appreciate your focused attention.  I guarantee it!

See you next month.