March 18, 2009, was my first day as the administrative assistant to the chairman of Meyou Decorations Co., Ltd.
Security captain Zhang Chunwen, during our initial conversation, presented me with a predicament: he had also just joined Meyou not too long ago. Although he held the position of security captain, one of the older security guards in the department basically didn't listen to him. This older guard would incite the newly hired guards to not follow his instructions or heed his orders.
Firing the older guard was out of the question, as he had influential relatives backing him up. Zhang Chunwen feared retaliation if he were to dismiss this older guard. So instead, he fired the newer guards who wouldn't listen. However, every time he replaced them with new recruits, after a couple of days, they too would be swayed by the older guard, refusing to follow the captain's orders and violating his commands.
"What should I do?!" The security captain looked worried.
I smiled and asked him, "Do you know what your own strengths are?"
He paused for a moment and replied, "In the military, I was a first-class non-commissioned officer; in a fight, three or five ordinary people couldn't even get close to me!"
"And how about that older guard?" I asked with a smile.
"He never served in the military, and five people like him wouldn't be a match for me in a fight!"
"So why does he dare not follow your orders?"
"In a company, it's not like in the army where you can force others with brute strength."
"Besides physical strength, don't you have any other skills?"
"I can drive, repair computers, and also know a bit about plumbing and electrical work..."
I laughed, "What I mean is interpersonal skills, which is how to interact with people and manage subordinates effectively!"
The security captain paused again and honestly replied, "This is my first time being a captain in a company. I don't know anything about management! Otherwise, why would he dare not listen to me?"
I smiled again and said, "To overpower someone through authority is a poor strategy; to gain their respect through ability is a moderate strategy; but to win their respect through virtue is the best strategy!!"
"Too profound, I don't understand," the security captain gave a foolish laugh.
I asked with a smile, "Why doesn't the older guard listen to your orders? Are you serious about your work? Do you arrive on time and not leave early?"
"Honestly speaking," the security captain sighed, "because none of the guards listen to me, I've lost the motivation to work. Plus, since I live outside, there are definitely many instances of tardiness."
"As the security captain, without setting an example through words and actions, without establishing a good role model, how can your subordinates listen to you? How can they respect you? It's strange that you can command them at all!"
"If I can't command them, what's the point of being the security captain? Originally, I wanted to pass on my combat skills to them... Alas! I can't even unleash my potential! Alas! I might as well resign!"
"To resign now means you've failed once in your life! Do you want to leave a shadow of failure in your life?!"
"Of course not! But if I don't resign, what else can I do?" The security captain frowned deeply.
"I suggest you start from now on, strictly discipline yourself, take your work seriously, and set an example. As for other issues, I will investigate and handle them as soon as possible."
After several interactions, it became clear that the older guard excelled in eloquence and deceitful adaptability—two qualities that even two security captains couldn't match!
After investigation, it was revealed that the older guard had powerful connections: his fiancée and her parents were close relatives of the boss's wife, all having entered the company at its inception. They were all very eloquent and resourceful, often using their positions to complain about the security captain in the office.
Everyone knows what Sima Zhao is thinking: they wanted to get rid of the security captain; they wanted the older guard to become the captain. The situation was clear. Where should I begin?
After careful consideration, I decided to proceed step by step:
"Boss Lady, according to my investigation, there is a problem within the security department. I would like to ask about the situation with the older guard."
"Tang Assistant, I know you're hesitant to act. Actually, you don't need to worry about anything. Since the boss and I have entrusted you with the power, go ahead and handle it freely! Afterward, write us a report."
...
"You must be the head of the inspection department, please sit down."
"Tang Assistant, what do you need me for?"
"I want to ask you for a favor: persuade your boyfriend to cooperate with the security captain's work."
"If he's not cooperating with the security captain, there must be a reason..."
"Whatever the reason, it can be reported to me in writing, but during working hours, cooperation is mandatory. Since we appointed him as the security captain, we trust that he has the necessary abilities. If your boyfriend continues to not cooperate, the captain has the right to fire him."
"Hmph! He has the right to fire my boyfriend! I can talk to the boss lady..."
"Talking to the boss lady won't help. Since she has delegated the authority to me, she won't interfere. Just like when I delegate authority to the security captain, I will fully support him."
"If he dares to fire my boyfriend, both my parents and I will quit."
"Quitting is fine, but you must submit your resignation letter one month in advance according to the factory rules."
...
"I'm here today to address an issue: in the security room, there are four of you—three guards and a captain. Not too many, not too few. As long as the four of you unite and are as close as brothers, no matter how big the difficulty, you can handle it! If the four of you argue all day, each doing their own thing, even a small task won't be completed, let alone protecting the employees' property and safety. I emphasize fairness and seriousness. Let me make this clear: during working hours, I hope everyone follows the captain's instructions harmoniously. If you have any opinions about the captain, raise them directly after work or report to me afterward. Absolutely no arguments during working hours—it creates a bad impression. Remember, you are the company's security personnel, and you need to set a good example."
...
"You've been here the longest as a security guard, so you should know the company's rules and regulations. Moreover, I already addressed this issue in yesterday's meeting, yet today you continued to argue with the captain during working hours. Now, I'm not asking for reasons, I'm giving you two options: First, immediately go to the workshop and work as a worker; Second, immediately pack your belongings, settle your salary, and leave the factory."
...
Finally, peace returned to the security room.
The newly recruited security guards all followed the security captain's instructions meticulously.
The security captain, in addition to teaching the guards combat skills every morning, voluntarily reported to the office three times a day to inquire about tasks.
The captain and the security guards took responsibility for repairing the lights in all the company's workshops and willingly worked overtime to install cable television for the company...
In short, any task I assigned was carried out quickly and efficiently by the captain and the security guards.
Even the boss's wife joked with me with a smile, "Tang Assistant, you've found yourself an assistant."
After hearing this, I suddenly realized: my 'assistant' security captain had developed a significant problem!!
Dear readers, can you identify the obvious issue with my 'assistant' security captain?!
The answer, I won't explain, please think about it yourself;
However, my solution is in the appendix.
Appendix:
Security Work Responsibilities and Regulations
In order to strengthen corporate management and protect the company's assets and personal safety, special security work responsibilities and regulations are hereby established:
1. Strictly perform duties while on duty, enforce rules strictly but treat guests politely.
2. All visitors and vehicles must register upon entry. Registration content includes: time of entry, name, address, ID number, person visited, purpose. Visiting can occur in the security room unless under special circumstances, visitors cannot enter the factory premises. In case of immediate family members requesting overnight stays, approval from the administration department and guarantee from the party involved is required before entering the company for accommodation.
3. Carefully inspect the factory badges and any items carried by those entering and leaving.
4. Employees leaving due to leave, business trips, dismissal, or firing must present a release voucher signed by the company before being allowed to leave.
5. Vehicles leaving the premises must present an exit permit, and cargo must be verified against documents. Incoming vehicles must state their purpose and register before being allowed entry. Entry is denied without valid reasons.
6. Employees must return to the factory before midnight. Latecomers are generally not allowed entry unless a valid reason is provided to the security staff.
7. Promptly urge employees to comply with factory rules and have the authority to criticize those who violate them. Submit timely reports on disciplinary violations and rule-breaking suggestions.
8. Strict adherence to punctual shift changes and handover systems.
9. Fill out shift change records.
10. Strict enforcement of patrol duties, especially night patrols.
By now, you must surely understand the management secret I mentioned: helping subordinates is equivalent to helping oneself!!
Article source:
Arrogance may sometimes be an expression of confidence.