When Little Johnny started his first job at a small retail shop, he was eager to impress and follow every rule his boss taught him. But one afternoon, his boss overheard what sounded like an argument and called Johnny into the office. With a stern tone, he said, “Johnny, I’ve told you many times — the customer is always right. Do you understand?” Johnny stood straight and answered confidently, “Yes, sir! The customer is always right.”
Still concerned, the boss asked, “Then why were you arguing with that customer?” Johnny replied earnestly, “Because he kept saying that I was right, and I tried to tell him he was the one who was right — just like you taught me.” The boss blinked, caught between confusion and laughter. Johnny hadn’t meant to argue — he had simply taken his boss’s words to heart, trying to be respectful in the most literal way possible.
Realizing the mix-up, the boss smiled and shook his head. Instead of scolding him, he said, “You may have misunderstood, but your attitude is exactly what matters — respect and kindness mean more than being correct.” Johnny nodded, a little embarrassed but grateful for the lesson. From that moment, he understood that good service wasn’t about rules alone — it was about sincerity and care.
In time, the boss began sharing Johnny’s story with every new employee who joined the team. He called it his favorite example of what customer service truly means: not proving a point, but creating a positive experience. After all, the best workers aren’t just the ones who know the rules — they’re the ones who lead with heart.