Why is it important to silence your cell phone during meetings?

Silencing your cell phone during meetings is crucial primarily to prevent distractions. Meetings are often focused discussions where participants need to fully engage with the agenda and contribute meaningfully. The sound of a ringing phone or notifications can disrupt the flow of conversation, pull attention away from speakers or presentations, and detract from overall productivity. Maintaining a distraction-free environment helps ensure that all attendees can concentrate on the topics being discussed and participate actively without interruptions.

In contrast, the other options either misinterpret the social etiquette of professional settings or imply negative behaviors that could undermine the constructive purpose of a meeting.