Author: Yataro Matsuura In my early thirties, I met many outstanding individuals. Their influence on me was immeasurable, and they still serve as my guide in conduct. At that time, whenever I interacted with successful people, I would be full of admiration, imitating and learning from them. I always wondered, "What must I do to become like them?" With this question in mind, I carefully observed their every move. They had one thing in common: they were particularly skilled at dealing with others. They often wore smiles, observed propriety, and behaved appropriately. Smiling and greeting others properly is both a good self-introduction and the best way to let others know you. Greeting someone with a smile and a "good morning" is like presenting your resume. Through years of observation, I found that there is a world of difference between those who do this and those who do not. A person's words and actions reveal their life trajectory and their way of dealing with people. Excellent people pay special attention to two things: one is greeting others with a smile, and the other is behaving with propriety and thoughtfulness. These two points are also the basic principles that we as adults must never forget. Just two days ago, a friend took me to a famous restaurant for Japanese cuisine. This restaurant is very popular because of its delicious food, and it is hard to get a reservation. It was my first visit, but most of the other patrons seemed to be regulars. They all looked like they were engaged in big business and were also gourmets, dressed fashionably and behaving appropriately. However, I felt a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps it was by chance, but some guests had somewhat inappropriate manners. They acted as if they were in their own home, speaking loudly and using vulgar language that was hard to hear. Because the restaurant was small, the loud conversations of these people forced the staff to raise their voices when reciting the menu. Although the staff were professional and attentive, I couldn't help but worry that they might not be feeling comfortable inside! The outstanding people I admired in my youth would never have done such things, yet I saw my peers doing them, and I felt deeply ashamed. I often reflect on my past behavior, asking myself: Have I been too ostentatious? Have I been cautious in my speech? Have I been attentive to the atmosphere and maintained a good conversational tone? Have I treated others with a smile? When expressing gratitude, have I been courteous and proper? Being sophisticated is different from being shameless. Although you pay a high price, it is a public place, not your own home. What should we do in a public space shared with others? There is only a hair's breadth between natural relaxation and sloppiness. The food that day was delicious, and the time spent with friends was enjoyable. But on the way home, I couldn't help but recall, one by one, the attitudes and behaviors taught by the successful people I had admired in the past, and I once again pondered what kind of conduct is appropriate and correct. I remember that in my early thirties, those very outstanding people I met for the first time often took me to fine dining restaurants. At that time, I knew nothing about gourmet food. Since they were honored guests, the restaurant staff would happily receive us. But these people, the more they frequented a restaurant, the more they tended to choose the worst seats. They would always say, "Because we are regulars and come often, it's fine to sit in these remote places near the restroom." They sat in distant, inconspicuous spots, dining quietly and modestly. They were always polite and humble to the familiar staff, not deliberately showing off, yet naturally exuding a unique charm. They would not deliberately put the staff in a difficult position by saying, "Hey, make me a dish that's not on the menu!" I believe their greatest virtue was humility and deference. For example, a very famous photographer, when he intended to buy a precious and rare book I had selected, asked me, "Am I really worthy of buying this book?" I was surprised and thought, if he isn't worthy, who is? But after the surprise, I sincerely admired his low-key style. None of them would always talk about "me, me, me," nor would they exaggerate themselves. They were always humble and polite. Moreover, even in invisible places, they were always willing to help others. Therefore, they gradually gathered various forces around them—people willing to work with them and protect them. Thus, they naturally became successful people. In my mind, I often recall the humility and deference of excellent people and reflect on my own behavior: whether my communication with subordinates is correct, whether my phone manner is appropriate, whether my wording, attitude, and behavior in restaurants are proper, and so on. Excerpt from "Integrity" by Yataro Matsuura, translated by Tao Yun, published by Beijing United Publishing Company & Beijing Zito Books. This platform will soon organize distributor friends who are interested in transforming to B2B platform e-commerce to visit and study some well-performing B2B platforms in China. If you want to learn more with the editor, you can add the editor's WeChat. 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