Take Me Off Speakerphone!

Take. Me. Off. Speakerphone.

Okay, full disclosure: I believe this to be the third time I have published a blog on this subject. Further, this is a pet peeve and I am maniacal on the subject. But given that disclaimer…

What the actual? Why is it that suddenly putting someone on speakerphone is okay? Is this the new normal, because I think the fastest way to say to someone, “You don’t matter” is to hit the speakerphone button and then do other things around the office during the conversation (yes, I can hear you).

I don’t get it. Have we gotten that lazy? Are we really that self-important?

I’ll bet it was 20 years ago when I wrote something that discussed a similar subject. My gripe back then was how I thought it rude to call someone from a cell phone while driving. This was back when the technology wasn’t even digital. Analog signals were bad enough but I wrote something like, “I think the fastest way to say to someone, ‘You don’t matter’ is to call someone from the phone while driving when it’s not necessary.”

Yes, I do understand that the common denominator these two stories is Grumpy Bill.

I was raised by two people who cared deeply about their neighbors (not what their neighbors thought about us but rather being kind and considerate towards their neighbors). We were not allowed to call after 9 p.m. or call before 9 a.m. A Farquharson never honked the horn in the driveway when picking someone up. As such, my parents’ belief system flows through my veins. Old habits and beliefs don’t die, so you can blame John and Priscilla Farquharson for this one.

Lately, I have noticed an uptick in this annoying practice, thus the repeated blog topic. I guess I will just have to employ the same anti-speakerphone technique that has served me so well: Put my hand over my mouth and talk normally. The result, well, do you remember the teacher in every Charlie Brown cartoon? It was something like, “Wont-wa-wont-wont-wa.”

Sadly, this is not the last time I will be airing this grievance and reminding you all to show some respect and professionalism by picking up the phone (especially when you are calling me). I’m sure we’ll cover this subject again. Until then…

…“ Wont-wa-wont-wont-wa.”

*********

Go to BillFarquharson.com and click on the “Training” link in the header for more information or to contact Bill and discuss your sales challenges.