No doubt about it, "cell phone jerks" are driving people crazy, especially in the workplace, says Barbara Pachter, co-author of The Jerk with the Cell Phone: A Survival Guide for the Rest of Us (Marlowe & Co., 2004).

Pachter offers step-by-step measures that will make people realize that their misuse of cell phones is causing problems and will get them to comply with proper cell phone etiquette, including:

• Don't be a jerk yourself. No matter how angry, frustrated, or in the right you are, don't yell or lose your temper. If you do, the "jerk with the cell phone is likely to ignore you, and his or her behavior will go unchanged."
• Use polite and powerful words. Speak up, but in the right way at the right time," says Pachter. The word "please" goes a long way in helping to tame cell phone abusers. "Could you please put your phone on vibrate?--the ringing is disturbing us."
• Don't give up. If you confront a cell phone abuser politely and the person does not respond, they may be embarrassed at being confronted. "Just feel good that you spoke up," Pachter emphasizes.
• Distribute cell phone etiquette cards. Cards are included in Pachter's book, or you can make your own using excerpts from your company's cell phone policy. These can be handed to abusers while they are talking on the cell phone--when the message is most effective

Editor's note: If you are receiving complaints from managers or employees, review your company's cell phone or telephone policy to determine if it should be more restrictive. Also review the disciplinary measures to be taken in the event of cell phone abuse.