Tech etiquette: Not everybody practices it, but everybody should

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...

You step onto the bus and sit down with a sigh. It is Monday, and you are not happy about it. You get your book out to read through your morning commute. Two stops later, someone gets on the bus, talking on their cell phone…loudly. You can hear every single word. Or someone gets on the bus with their headphones on. And the music is so loud that it pounds in your ears. You can no longer concentrate on your book. You are frustrated and angry. One person’s lack of tech etiquette can ruin a bus ride for everyone else.

At work, it is even more imperative to have tech etiquette. You are at work to work, interact with fellow employees and customers, and do what needs to be done for your company. If you are constantly answering your cell phone, texting on your BlackBerry, instant messaging, or checking your email, chances are you are not being a very productive employee or courteous co-worker. Follow the tech etiquette tips below, and you will be a better person for it.

While in public:

According to a Wireless Etiquette Survey conducted by Sprint, 80% of respondents said that other people are less considerate when using cell phones than they were 5 years ago. Keep phone conversations quiet and private. You do not have to scream into your cell phone for the person on the other end to hear you.

Keep your Mp3 player’s volume down to a reasonable level. Just because you think you have good taste in music, does not mean that everyone else around you wants to hear it too.

While interacting with people, such as sales clerks, cashiers, and other people you encounter while out in public, turn off your mobile device or Mp3 player, have the courtesy to remove headsets, earbuds, or whatever is covering your ears, and give that person your undivided attention.

While in a public space such as a movie theater, restaurant, or doctor’s office, have the courtesy to turn your mobile device to vibrate and refrain from holding conversations in close proximity to others. If you must answer a phone call, step out of the public area to do so.

While at work:

Listening to an Mp3 player at work may be allowed by some employers but be sure to keep the volume low. And make sure that you answer your phone and respond to colleagues who drop by your work space.

Always keep your mobile device on vibrate, no matter whether you are sitting at your desk or in a meeting. Nothing is more distracting in the workplace than a loud and inappropriate ring tone. And never answer your cell phone in a meeting unless it is an important business phone call and the person in charge of the meeting is aware that you are going to have to step out to take it.

When sending emails, instant messaging, or texting your business associates, keep in mind that it is a business communication and should be treated as such. Check for spelling and grammar, don’t use techie abbreviations, and make the point as clear and succinct as possible.

When using a headset at work, whether for a mobile device or landline phone, be sure to remove the headset when finished with a conversation. That way, when someone approaches your area, they know whether or not you are available to speak with them.

Tech etiquette is something that we all need to embrace as gadgets become more prevalent in our lives. According to Peter Handal, chairman of Dale Carnegie Training, in an article published in The Christian Science Monitor, “Embrace all the new technologies, but keep focused on the people around you, whether it’s your boss, your co-workers, or your customers. Technology is a great tool to help you get to the people. But even in this wired world, you need to have the personal touch.”