By Mike Tattersall

Cell phones have become a convenient necessity.  Although they are convenient, they can be a nuisance during an important meeting.  The loud ringing of the phone does not only interrupt the meeting, but taking the time to search for it and answer it causes further disruption.  These interruptions can lead to a very angry boss and irritated co-workers.  However, there are right ways to answer a cell phone in a meeting that will put everyone at ease.

All attendees at an important meeting should take the time to review their company’s cell phone policies.  Unfortunately, some companies will have a clause stating that all cell phones should be left in an employee's office.  There may also be a clause stating that all cell phones must be turned off.  Reviewing a company's policy will help employees decide on how to proceed if they are expecting an important phone call.  If an employee is expecting an emergency phone call, he should alert his boss right away.  The boss may make an exception to the policy and allow the call.  Before an employee answers a cell phone in a meeting, he should also let other attendees know about the call prior to the start of the meeting.  This will keep them from becoming angry.

If the employee is expecting a cell phone call in a meeting that deals with information needed for the meeting, again he should inform the staff.  He should again forewarn everyone that he will be transferring his calls from his office phone to his cell phone.  He should keep the phone on vibrate so that the calls will not disturb the listeners and the person who is doing the talking.  He should keep the phone in a place where he could grab it immediately.  He should also sit close to the exiting door, so that he could leave the room quickly and quietly.

If a call is from a person the employee is not expecting, he should quickly transfer the call to voicemail.  He should not answer the phone unless the call is from the person he warned his boss and co-workers about.  Once he has received the important phone call from the expected person, he should immediately turn off the cell phone and attempt to cause no further interruptions.

People who are expecting important cell phone calls during a meeting should never sit in the meeting talking on the cell phone once the call is received.  Even after the boss is warned, talking loudly on the cell phone during the meeting could still anger him.  As stated earlier, exit immediately and keep the phone call short.  Do not make it a habit to answer important cell phone calls in a meeting.  Receive cell phone calls only if necessary.