I hate the phone.

It’s a new hate. I am old enough to remember when the phone was it (except for face to face). Back then the phone was fine. Things are different now. 

It’s actually not the phone, it’s phone calls. It’s the audacity of the interruption.

Sometimes the phone is the only way, though. Sometimes it’s still the best way.

When it is the best way for whatever outcome you are looking for, try this: 

At the outset, genuinely ask if this is a good time to talk. It might be, it might not be, but at least we aren’t assuming that the receiver should drop everything for our urgent business. 

It’s one small act of deference and respect that goes a long way.

Try it. See what happens.