Final answer:
Phone calls in a professional setting should be answered professionally and within three to four rings to demonstrate efficiency and readiness. This aligns with business etiquette, similar to how one would manage other professional scenarios with courtesy and punctuality.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the phone rings, the recommended course of action is to answer it professionally and within a certain number of rings to ensure that proper business etiquette is maintained. Ideally, you should try to answer before the phone has rung too many times to avoid keeping the caller waiting and to convey a sense of readiness and efficiency. While etiquette can vary depending on the context and specific workplace rules, a common standard is to pick up the call within three to four rings.
This is similar to other professional etiquette situations, such as placing the napkin on your lap immediately when you sit at a dining table, or not waiting too long on hold on a telephone call with someone who has call waiting. Just as in these situations you would aim to act appropriately and timely, the same principles apply to answering phone calls in a professional setting.
Therefore, the best answer to when the phone rings, how should you answer it, and within how many number of rings would be C. Professionally and within 4 rings.