On a daily basis, we are always interacting with people, giving and taking information. Sometimes you are the one requesting assistance and sometimes you are the one providing assistance. I've always heard from a family friend that 'You attract more bees with Honey than with Vinegar.' I always try to think back to that saying when i'm talking to anyone I need something from, whether you're talking to someone at an airline, a customer service rep, etc. My view is that if you treat them well, they will do everything in their power to treat you well.
My hypothesis is further strengthened most days when i'm on the other end (as the vendor) and I have an unreasonable person on the line. When that happens, I do my best to swallow my pride and help said individual with their issue. That's where my dealings end and I do my best not to engage with the person again unless they contact me.
On the other hand, when I have the pleasure to deal with someone who is cheery, patient and understanding, I do my best to go above and beyond the call of duty to make that person's experience the best that it can be. I even find myself following up with the person for no other reason than to make sure they're not having any other issues and to say hi.
The point is, you can always expect to receive the tone in which you are giving to the other person, so be nice.
This site estimates what the cost of a meeting is based on the employees present and what industry your company is in. While I don't believe all meetings are wasteful, I believe a majority of them are. This is a super cool way of seeing if you are being efficient with that time spent and if a particular meeting is actually worth having.
