Not long ago, an executive from a major corporation assaulted a flight attendant on an airplane. Because of his absurd behavior, rooted in a sense of entitlement, the company he belonged to saw its carefully built reputation collapse in an instant. The executive was eventually dismissed from his post, and the company had to scramble to manage the aftermath.
“If someone treats you well but acts arrogantly toward a waiter, he is not a good person.”
This is a well-known saying in the United States, often referred to as the “Waiter Rule.” Among business leaders, there’s also a common belief that “A person who mistreats waitstaff cannot become a successful manager.” It’s not just about how one treats a waiter; disrespect toward anyone in a lower position reveals not only that person’s character but also tarnishes the image of the group they belong to.
A person of depth and substance will treat everyone with humility, regardless of their status. After all, just like rice plants bow their heads as they ripen, those who are truly mature will always act with grace and modesty.