How can harmony support business when customers seek unfair advantages?

First, consider whether what happened is really serious enough to keep being angry about. Some customers simply like to gain a small advantage. When running a business, you can bring your attention back to what matters: are you trying to run the business well, or do you have to teach this person a lesson on the spot? Thinking about it this way can give you an opportunity to change your state of mind.

Dao Fan shared how their mother handled things while running a small eatery. When customers were unreasonable or tried to take small advantages, she would often smile and let the matter pass, provided they did not make personal attacks or encroach on her family. Afterwards, she would tell her children that it was not their job to straighten such people out; they should concentrate on running the business well. I find this change of perspective meaningful. Every unpleasant encounter does not have to become a contest over who wins and who loses.

However, Dao Fan also said that when a neighbor went too far and the family needed protection, their mother would still stand her ground and argue her case. Being agreeable therefore depends on the situation. We cannot remember only “just smile and let it go” and then expect people to swallow every offense. Spend less energy on small things that can be let go, while also recognizing clearly the problems that truly need to be addressed.