For merchants, face is worthless; if they want it, give it to them.

He wants to impress his superiors and show off—so give him the credit and the opportunity. That’s respecting human nature and incentives, and it might turn him into your ally. Once he’s your friend, he could become your pawn, quietly working against your competitors on your behalf.

The lower-ranking someone is, the more face you should give them.

If you don’t, they’ll create all sorts of trouble—throwing up obstacle after obstacle, slowing down your project. Days later, your competitor surpasses you, or your business stalls. The losses? They’re coming straight out of your pocket.