Flip Phone

and Communications

If readers accept the premise that technology is here to stay, then the flip phone is our reminder of what can be lost without complete and comprehensive communication. In this article, the author shares five reasons for regretting the loss of the “flip phone” to newer technology and cautions readers to the perils that new technology pose to our ability to communicate.

There are five key reasons that I love the flip phone and hate to see technology push it out the door, or in my case, out of my purse. As a mediator, I understand that communication is important, and if we accept the premise that technology is here to stay, then the flip phone is our reminder of what can be lost without complete and comprehensive communication.

First, and the most important reason: no “butt” calls! How many times have you gotten the infamous “butt” call? You keep saying “Hello!” “Hello!” There is no answer; however, if you do not immediately hang up, it is often interesting to hear what is going on at the other end (no pun intended).

Seriously, these inadvertent calls are an example of how incomplete communication leaves questions and causes some people to speculate and/or draw erroneous conclusions. “She didn’t mean to call me, so who did she really want to call?” “Why did he change his mind and just hang up without leaving a message?” Some people are capable of creating elaborate fantasies and then treat their speculation as fact. This in turn creates even more communication issues and is a major contributor to confirmation bias. Of course, there is the issue of confidentiality. Those within 15 to 20 feet of the phone can hear inadvertent “butt” calls. A person listening to a “butt” call may learn of a corporate merger, an affair, or how someone in the office really feels about another co-worker. This type of miscommunication is costly.

Second, and perhaps the most practical reason, is damage protection. The two-part, hinged design provides the perfect protective cover for the phone. One rarely hears of flip phones needing the glass replaced, and for those who have dropped other types of cell phones, the expense is not cheap and many complain that the phone never is the same.

Damaged cell phones are a contributing factor to missed calls, hard to understand calls that have the…intermittent…word…hard…understand. Some damaged phones with poor voice quality get the listener so frustrated that they tune out and do not pay attention to what is being said—just another example of the cell phone incomplete communication syndrome.

Third, relates to size. Bigger is not always better. Flip phones are much smaller and can easily fit into tiny places. Some of us have purses that were specifically designed with a small, flip phone sized, zippered pocket. Because the phone pocket is small, it is less likely to be noticed and the phone to be “lifted”. The smaller size of a flip phone might give it a security advantage. You sure do not hear of someone stealing a flip phone!

As cell phones have replaced landline phones, it has enabled people to remain “connected” even when not at home or in the office. This has made communication more accessible and convenient. Although people are using cell phones more, they are also listening less. The multiple calls, texts, and tweets have numbed the brain. People are not as focused. While some are “listening” to a caller, at the same time they are looking at their “apps” or playing a game on the phone’s screen. Some pretend to listen, but in fact are mentally constructing their rebuttal.

Fourth, is control. Because the flip phone design requires having to “flip” open the phone, people are not as temped to constantly look at it. When one calculates the number of needless calls, tweets, and texts that occur in any given day, a flip phone allows a person to go through life and select when to check the phone. People who use flip phones are not compulsive answerers. Your life is your own: to answer or not to answer—that is the question.

Fifth, and perhaps the greatest benefit to society is direct communication. Other cell phones are primarily used for texting or tweeting, while flip phones are primarily used for talking. Since flip phones require more work to text: hit the “7” key three times to get the letter “S”, the “2” key twice to get the “A”, well you get the idea. Flip phones are best used for direct communication with a meaningful conversation.

Direct communication is more likely to prevent misunderstandings. Having mediated for the last thirty years, it has been this writer’s experience that most disputes do not initially result from wrong or ill-intended actions. They are far more likely to result from incomplete communication or the misunderstood, limited word, texts and tweets. There is an interesting correlation between the proliferation of texting and tweeting and increased conflict in the workplace. Many of these misunderstandings can be avoided by either direct, face-to-face discussions, or at a minimum, a comprehensive phone conversation.

The next time you get or send a “butt” call, just remember those embarrassing calls can be avoided with a flip phone!

Nancy Neal Yeend founded The End Strategy (TES), a Portland, OR-based dispute management and mediation firm. Ms. Yeend is a seasoned and accomplished professional, as well as a prolific writer, with a focus on conflict management and resolution. She is adept at developing programs for business, governmental entities, and not-for-profit organizations involving workplace related conflict. In addition, she is a skilled trainer and experienced course designer, specializing in communication, negotiation, problem solving, and dispute management. She mediates business and contract related matters at all stages of litigation: pre-suit, trial, and appellate.

Ms. Yeend can be contacted at (503) 481-2986 or by e-mail to Nancy@TESresults.com.