The rule
Treat the person serving your coffee with the same courtesy you'd show the person who could give you a job. Same tone, same eye contact, same patience. Anyone who changes gear depending on someone's rank has told the whole room what he's like.
Why it matters
It's easy to be charming to people who can help you. Character shows in how you treat those who can't. Others always notice, and it's a test that people have long used on a first date or at a business lunch.
How to do it well
- Look people in the eye and say please and thank you, every time.
- When something goes wrong, deal with it calmly and quietly. It's rarely that person's fault.
- Be the same man wherever you are. It's also a great deal less tiring.