Lampton's Law for Cell Phone Users

Picture yourself seated in the van transporting you from the airport to the parking lot. Pretty tight space, huh? Suddenly, the silence is broken--no, blasted--by the guy sitting next to you. Oblivious to his surroundings, he says in a loud voice, "Hello, Mary, just landed a few minutes ago. Is the meeting still scheduled for this afternoon? Do you have all the reports on my desk for me to review? And tell me, what important calls do I need to return right now?"

OK, this inconsiderate fellow has just:

• Invaded your privacy and the privacy of everyone else in the van
• Flaunted his conviction that he is incredibly prominent in the business world
• Risked sharing confidential information with a bunch of strangers, one of whom could by chance even be his competitor

If scenes like that drive you crazy, then I am confident you will like my solution. I call it "Lampton's Law for Cell Phone Users." I suggest that you share it with family, friends and all of your work associates. Here it is:

LAMPTON'S LAW

"If someone wants to hear your cell phone conversation, one of two things will have happened. First, they will have called you. Or second, they would have accepted your call.

Therefore, if neither of these has happened, the people in your vicinity are not at all interested in what you have to say. In fact, your phone conversation will offend them. So if you must make a cell phone call, move away to a more private place. Even there, lower your voice. Become invisible and inaudible to those around you when you talk with the only person who has expressed interest in hearing you."

If you are a manager, explain Lampton's Law at your next staff meeting. Circulate it in writing. Add it to your company newsletter. Before long, you will experience increased courtesy and consideration by cell phone users. When that happens, call me on your cell phone to tell me about it!

For more information, please visit my Web site:

www.ChampionshipCommunication.com