[Image credit: Paul]

For the past week or so, I’ve dealt with a work-related request from a gentleman who wants something from my company.  The first email he sent me started out friendly enough but, following each of my responses, his replies have been less diplomatic.  Finally, he asked me to call him.  I thought, perhaps, on the phone he’d be more agreeable.  Instead, he was rather defensive to the point of rude.  Unfortunately for him, I am simply a go-between and not the decision-maker.  But I do wield some influence.  As a matter of fact, if you want something from me (and I believe this is typically how it works for the majority of the human population), you catch more of the proverbial flies with honey.  Apparently, this person was absent when the elementary instruction was doled out.  Suffice it to say, I passed along his message to the powers that be.  And the moral of the story: you never know who your biggest advocate will be, so make it a habit to be nice to everyone.

Are you a sweet-talker or a sour puss?