Chapter 94: A Call From A Notable Personage
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
After two days, Ling Jundong, who had officially taken up the post of CEO, quickly displayed his talents. Talents that were shocking. After Chen Jin had relinquished full control of authority in the departments of technology, sales, human resources, and after-sales service, those departments underwent a bold and decisive reform.
Areas that had ineffective and illogical operational systems, lacking standard regulations, and were managed in a laissez-faire style, were all imposed with a set of regulations and further refined. All management staff accepted the 15 days of specialized training.
Sign-ins, performance appraisals, staff promotions, and task management systems were all clarified down to the smallest details. At the same time, the greatest changes were wrought in the maintenance of work efficiency so that the enterprise could remain healthy.
After the series of reforms ended, Xing Hai Technologies had undergone a huge personality change. Even though it had less than 300 staff and firmly belonged in the category of “small to medium enterprises (SMEs),” it actually exuded a demeanor similar to that of a global corporation from the inside out!
The staffs’ entire spirit and att.i.tude had been renewed. They felt a greater sense of belonging and their motivation was generally increased. It could be said that within a short 10 to 20 days, Xing Hai Technologies had undergone a major overhaul. The entire reformation could be described as swift, decisive, and thoroughly transformative.
However, the reforms were not without resistance. For example, Ling Jundong had found out that some of the sales personnel did not follow company protocol. Not only did they take an unauthorized cut of their sales partners’ commissions, they even charged a remuneration from them. He found this intolerable. He immediately requested these sales personnel to turn in their ill-gotten remunerations and return it back to their sales partners. He demanded that they return the remunerations that they had claimed from their sales partners in one lump sum!
“What rights do you have to demand this of us? This was mutually agreed upon, why do I have to return it?”
“You’ve just joined the company for a few days. How high up do you think you are?”
“I’m not returning it! Chief Chen is our buddy, he’ll stand on our side!”
Ling Jundong’s expression turned ugly. He called Chen Jin to come over and requested that these sales personnel be fired.
After understanding the specifics of the situation, Chen Jin scanned the faces of each person. Some lowered their heads in guilt, but some remained undisturbed. Chen Jin shook his head. “Quickly return the money. The company has to adopt a long-term view; we need to have systems and regulations! Moreover, Chief Ling is the CEO I hired. He’s the superior of your superior! He need not report to me. He can directly decide if he wants to fire you! This is an authority that should belong to him, I will not interfere!”
After this statement, the sales personnel ducked their heads. Even Vice President Liang Ying, who also concurrently held the post of Sales Manager, lowered her head.
Ling Jundong trembled slightly. He was very touched by his boss’ support and it showed in his expression. The matter was finally concluded. Of the eight sales personnel who went against company regulations, five chose to resign and three chose to return the money. The three admitted their wrongdoings, reflected on themselves, and remained in the company.
Moreover, incidents like this did not only happen in the sales department. In the process of reforming the regulations in other departments, there were about 20 people who chose to resign.
Now, Chen Jin finally knew why Ling Jundong only served for an average of seven months as a CEO in the previous seven companies. The extent of his reforms were too strong and sweeping; the execution too unyielding. His personality was too forceful and he easily offended others! The senior ranking staff of the company, including Vice President Liang Ying, After-sales Service Manager Liang Bin, Human Resource Manager Gao Ting Yan, and even the leader of the technical team, Zhou Kun, had never had a good word for him. They detested him.
Chen Jin told him privately, “Old Ling, your intentions are good and I don’t oppose your methods. But… is it a little too harsh? We’re not a big tech company. A more relaxed atmosphere would actually benefit the creative process.”
“Chief Chen, please listen to my explanations!” Ling Jundong said, “No domestic company has ever carried out the management system that I’ve drawn up for more than two years running. But, if a company can persevere in implementing the system for more than two years, I believe that all doubts will disappear and the praises will come. I sincerely request that you give me all of your support. In return, I’ll give you a company that is full of vitality with an internal entropy that will never decrease. Your company will be immortal and be as strong as the Hua Yao Company!”
His gaze was entreating and full of hope. Although he had worked for this company for a mere seven days, he had the greatest hope that he would be able to realize his life values there. Once he had succeeded, his style of management, called “Ling’s Managerial Science,” would propel him to the heights of the CEO prodigies. He would be wors.h.i.+pped like a saint in the CEO community… That was his dream!
Chen Jin eyed the expression on his face; he could feel the scorching heat in his gaze. “All right, I’ll give you an opportunity to try!” Chen Jin could see that Ling Jundong was a genius as well as a lunatic. He had his own methods of efficacy, but he never had been able to fully showcase his talents. It was not that he did not have his own stage to s.h.i.+ne, it was just that the world did not give him sufficient time to complete his performance. Hence, Chen Jin was very curious. He wanted to see what his real capabilities and subsequent results were. Therefore, he gave him a chance!
“Thank you, Chief Chen, thank you!” Ling Jundong was beyond grateful. His eyes felt hot and teary.
…
On the 20th of May, Chen Jin received a call from a stranger. After the call came through, a rather charismatic voice could be heard coming from the other end. “h.e.l.lo, are you the President of Xing Hai Technologies, Chen Jin? Good day, Mr. Chen, I am Lei Xiao Jun, the President of Da Mi Technologies…”
Lei Xiao Jun! On his end, Chen Jin immediately became excited. This is a call from a big shot! Chen Jin coughed and quickly replied, “President Lei, good day to you too. I cannot believe that it’s you. I am Chen Jin, I really like the products from Da Mi Technologies. I’ve seen your solo concerts hundreds of times… I never imagined that I would receive a call from you. I’m very honored!”
“Cough ~ cough ~ cough!” An even stronger series of coughing came from the other end of the phone. “Little friend, you’re not too bad yourself. I really like the Wa-wah robot from your company. I would never have imagined that you are so young!”
“Not at all, President Lei, you are the real top personage. You are the groundbreaking pioneer of Z country’s IT industry, the most outstanding entrepreneur. For juniors like me, you are very much worth learning from…”
“Hahahaha, I’ve only done some small things…”
They exchanged praises for some time, and their relations.h.i.+p became warmer and more intimate. In the end, they started calling each “Brother Lei” and “Xiao Chen.”
President Lei also clarified the reason for his call. “President Chen, do you still remember Su You Jie and Wu Lei? They were originally technicians working for Xing Hai Technologies. Then, they were poached by Rock Technologies and developed the Rock Robot. However, as they infringed on the sole copyright authority of your company, they could not release the robot on the market. A while ago, Su You Jie had led his project team to join Da Mi Technologies’ cleaning robots project department. They’ve helped to develop the ‘Love Mi Cleaning Robot’ which might impinge on part of your sole copyright authority. I was wondering…” President Lei sank into silence before saying, “President Chen, could you accommodate me and help to work around the regulations? Da Mi Technologies is willing to pay the fees for the authorization to use of your patent.”
Um….
Chen Jin eyes squinted slightly. Resting his chin on his hands, he started to think carefully.