Chapter 63: Meeting
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
After a comprehensive tour of the company premises, Fang Yuan came to the stark realization that the overall atmosphere within the organization was alarmingly lacking in discipline. In all her prior experiences across various companies, not even the cumulative disorderliness of her past workplaces could hold a candle to the prevailing state of anarchy here. The company had regressed into an abyss of decadence, devoid of any discernible vitality.
Upon reaching her office and settling into her chair, Fang Yuan was interrupted by the sudden entrance of her assistant, Wang Ning.
“My sincerest apologies for my tardiness. Hm? Is the company’s head not present today? Are they also running late? Miss, have you crossed paths with the head honcho? Please vacate that seat immediately!”
In a flurry of words, Wang Ning’s gaze eventually settled on the seemingly unmoved figure before him. Arching an eyebrow, he noted that despite her outward nonchalance, an unusually potent aura emanated from her form. An icy shiver ran down his spine. “Could it be that you’re…”
“I am Fang Yuan.”
“Madam President, President Fang…” Wang Ning hastened forward, his fright palpable. Amidst his stumbling explanation, Fang Yuan pieced together the puzzle to a certain extent.
About a year ago, the Cheng Family had ventured into the garment industry, recruiting numerous experts from the field. Some excelled in management, while others showcased prowess in design. The central administration even dispatched Zhao Quan to assume leadership. However, with the passage of time, the company’s condition saw no amelioration. A sense of disillusionment drove many talented individuals to depart in succession. The higher-ups, initially brimming with confidence, eventually adopted a hands-off approach. Gradually, the corporate environment devolved into an unruly state.
Having been on the scene for a year, Wang Ning remained anxious but lacked the authority to steer a course correction.
Fang Yuan declared, “Summon a meeting. I expect every department head and management representative to assemble within the next 20 minutes.”
“Yes, President Fang.” Wang Ning swiftly departed to relay the message.
Twenty minutes later, within the confines of the conference room, the 38 chairs that should have been fully occupied now accommodated a mere nine individuals.
“President Fang, the Director of the Finance Department has mentioned that her child is unwell. She’s seeking approval for a leave of absence to take her child to the hospital.”
“The Director of the Purchasing Department has informed us of his ill health and intends to take a day off to recuperate at home.”
“From the Human Resources Department, we’ve received word that…”
Wang Ning’s narration was cut short by Fang Yuan’s interruption: “Inform them that if they fail to show up tomorrow, there will be no place for them here in the future.”
In response to her seemingly audacious statement, the onlookers believed she was asserting her authority as a newly appointed figurehead.
Fang Yuan pressed on, “My presence signifies the end of past complacency for everyone. Alternatively, bid farewell to the company altogether.”
The assembled individuals exchanged astonished glances. Unbeknownst to them, Fang Yuan’s management approach in her previous ventures was even more stringent. Those prone to idleness and stagnation had swiftly faced expulsion.
Turning her attention back to the room, Fang Yuan inquired, “Now, who can provide an update on the company’s current status, recent achievements, and prospective directions?”
A pervasive silence hung in the room.
“Once more,” Fang Yuan reiterated her query, yet no response surfaced. Evidently, the company had made no substantial progress and lacked a coherent growth strategy.
At that juncture, a voice spoke up.
“President Fang.” Standing up, Zhou Hao, the Director of the Design Department, addressed her. “We share the yearning for the company’s advancement, but we’re grappling with an elusive obstacle. All departments have been functioning harmoniously, yet tangible progress remains elusive.”
Fang Yuan prompted, “Elaborate.”
Zhou Hao continued, “Moreover, our department’s designs exhibit commendable quality, but inexplicably, we’re encountering difficulties in converting them into sales…”
Fang Yuan.”….”
Zhou Hao elaborated, “To illustrate, last month, our department’s Gu Panpan crafted a collection of 10 summer women’s outfits. We convened a meeting to deliberate on their innovative styles and impressive aesthetic, yet regrettably, they remained unsalable. Our design principles remain intact. If you doubt my words, I can provide a visual demonstration.”
With that, Zhou Hao projected images of 10 invigorating, earthy dresses onto the screen.
At a single glance, Fang Yuan discerned several underlying issues. “Regarding the first dress, the lace embellishments appear excessive, warranting removal. For the second dress, let’s alter the short hem to a full-length skirt and replace the circular neckline with a V-neck design. As for the third piece, we’ll modify the hemline as follows…”
Fang Yuan swiftly sketched out a revised outline on paper, conjuring a summery floral skirt that captured everyone’s attention.
“Furthermore, there’s the fourth adjustment…”
Upon Fang Yuan’s completion of the analysis for all 10 dresses, an air of astonishment pervaded the room. Her expertise had taken them all aback. Initially dismissing Fang Yuan as a youthful and unreliable delegate from the headquarters, they now witnessed her astutely dissecting the issues at hand and formulating reform strategies in a matter of sentences. Her mastery exceeded their expectations.
“President Fang, even if we perfect our clothing designs, we remain at an impasse if certain colleagues fail to fulfill their responsibilities!”
“The prevailing company culture breeds complacency, marginalizing those who genuinely invest effort.”
“Certainly. We’re grappling with inadequate skilled manpower and expertise. The central administration’s involvement is proving futile. Abandoning the venture seems regrettable, yet we’re ensnared in a predicament.”
Numerous voices chimed in, pinpointing the underlying concerns..