The other day, I was trying to have a business conversation with a receptionist at a doctor’s office. I had several important questions I needed answers for. Every time I completed a question, the phone rang and the receptionist answered it. It took 20 minutes to get all of my questions answered when it should have taken only 2 or 3 minutes.
I’ve encountered similar situations in retail stores and restaurants as well as during conversations with friends when their cell phones ring.
If someone is having a conversation with you in person, they take precedence over the person calling you on the phone. Voice message systems were developed to take messages when you are unable to answer a call. If you must answer the call, take a brief message and inform the caller you will call them back.