Being a Good Businessperson Doesn't Mean You Have to be a Horse's Hind

Some time back I spent about three hours writing and doing emails at one of our local malls.  I love this place because there are lots of tables to sit at and the mall has free wireless access so I can be online all the time.  As I was exiting the mall I noticed a woman about 20 feet away from the entrance heading into the mall.  As I walked out the door I held the door open for this woman for a few seconds.  As she walked by me into the mall she said "WOW!"  She was surprised that I actually took three seconds out of my life to hold a door open for a complete stranger.  Imagine what I could have done with those three seconds that I wasted :-). 
This got me to thinking a lot about how we do business.  I remember back to one of my college jobs selling clothes a sweet elderly salesperson telling me "you know, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!"  Her simple words of advice really stuck with me.  To get things done in business you don't always have to be a horse's ass.  Sure, there are times where being firm is necessary but to be someone that suppliers, partners, colleagues, and customers avoid because you're going to wreck their day just doesn't need to happen.
Amazon.com Widgets I must admit to you that there were plenty of times that I was a horse's hind and had people cursing me under their breath.  I can also probably say that it will probably happen in the future.  However, I firmly believe that being aware of how you come off to other people will help you be more conscious of the behavior and will reduce the number of horse's ass incidents.  I guess you could call me a recovering horse's hind…