Don't be a Jerk!

The title says it all for this post, don't be a jerk!  I should probably clarify; use common sense when taking phone calls when traveling.

We have all been there, the plane lands and the flight attendants announce it is ok to turn you mobile devices back on.  The plane is immediately filled with various notification tones from all of the passenger's phones.  Then, there is that one person a few rows in front of you, or behind you, whose business is more important than anyone else's on the plane.

Instantly, you know all about their flight schedule they have went through that day.  You also know all about the conversation they had with "Bob" in production and "Phil" in engineering and where the "big" project stands right now.

Another situation, you are in a restaurant with your significant other during a no-travel week.  There is a person at the table next to you who is obviously on a business trip.  As you are trying to have a nice dinner date, your dining neighbor is screaming into their cell phone.  Probably, something along the lines of, "sorry, I can't hear you.....yes, I met with them today.....what? there's a lot of background noise in here, I can't hear you.......yes, they liked the presentation...." etc.  This is HIGHLY annoying!

There are several reasons NOT to be this person.  The first is obvious, common courtesy; you don't like it when you are the person being annoyed, so why is your conversation so important that you can annoy others?   Don't be that person who bothers others!

Another reason, you never know who is around you.  If you are on a plane heading to an industry trade show, the chances that some of your competitors are on the same flight are pretty good.  It would be horrible to have a cell phone conversation about your new line that is going to "revolutionize the market" and have your competitor a few rows back hear every word.

Be patient, and wait until you are in your rental car, or even better back at your hotel room.  I assure you, your boss will understand.

Nobody understands the need for immediate communication with your superiors or customers more than I, but please, use common sense.  Do not put yourself in a situation where you could be a disturbance or divulge company secrets.   In other words, don't be a jerk!