My mind raced as I pondered for a while, and finally I came up with a solution.
"I have an idea. Please listen to my suggestion," I said. "First, make a complete backup of your original version before making any changes. During the meeting when the timing is right, I will show the original version to them, so your efforts in preparing it will not go to waste. Is that okay?"
"Okay," she said, a little helpless but accepting nonetheless.
"Excellent. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation," I breathed a sigh of relief. "After you finish the changes, please email me the latest version."
She nodded and continued working.
I sighed lightly, feeling helpless, and returned to my own workspace. Someone might question why I was so concerned, submissive and humble towards this young girl who had only been working for a week. Why couldn't I just "substitute players" like in a football game - i.e. go for another candidate as she's still within probation?
Of course, I could. However, the reality was that firing and replacing a staff here isn't as simple as substituting a player in a football game (by filling a sheet of paper and handing it in to the fourth official).
Firstly, our company's administrative procedures were extremely complicated, and hiring new staff required a lot of time on paperwork and approval. Secondly, although we were a big company, the salary we could offer isn't competitive and we struggled to attract the right candidates. Thirdly, my department head had high (and allow me to say, pretty unrealistic) demands for new employees, and also had to find them likeable, making it difficult to find the right fit. Fourthly, our industry was experiencing a "generation gap" situation, and finding young new hires was not easy. Even if we could, these kind of young talents would generally choose to work for more challenging software companies, investment banks or other more interesting places. Finally (and probably the most important factor), the progress of our projects would not be adjusted due to shortage of manpowers.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bgBaZZqBT
In conclusion, I was completely helpless and had no control over the situation.
However, setting aside issues of slight arrogance and attitude, based on Hana's performance in her first week of work, it was actually quite good. Moreover, her initiative and positivity had helped me to regain my enthusiasm for work. So as long as it wasn't too extreme or crossed my bottom line, I would gladly accept and cooperate.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM9O7Klxt5
After reaching an agreement with her, she quickly made the changes and sent me the new version. I was very satisfied after reading it and replied with a brief email to praise her, then continued with my other work.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGjFnXeIP1
There were eight people in the meeting today. Representing our department were the head, myself as the project manager, and Hana. Representing our friendly department were several colleagues I knew well, in addition to their department head Mr. Zhang, who were all key users involved in the project. Before the meeting started, I politely introduced Hana so they could get to know each other. Then I reviewed the various requirements of the project and explained the user interface prototype design that Hana had prepared. As I explained, the participants nodded eagerly and the atmosphere was good, indicating that they were quite satisfied with what they are seeing.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEWO8BAdf8
An hour later, after I finished my presentation, our department head made the conclusion as usual, and invited users to give opinions.
Mr. Zhang spoke first. As an opening statement, he reiterated the overall direction of the project to ensure that everyone had the same objective. This was his usual practice, and I understood that these were only the "starter" - the "main dish" would be on his thoughts and feedbacks. As I expected, he proposed several new suggestions and politely asked if we could include them in the project scope. As I listened, I praised Hana in the heart, because almost all of these suggestions were already included in the initial design.
When Mr. Zhang finished, I was about to respond with a view on discussing the priorities of implementation, and most importantly, whether we needed to adjust the project schedule and budget. However, Hana, who had been silent throughout the meeting, suddenly stood up and interrupted me.
"Mr. Zhang, I have some additional information. May I respond?"
I was literally in shock.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyyn6VZZv1
The first thing I knew was that I must stop her. And so I stood up.
"Hana, please wait," I said.
"It's okay, Jan. Let her speak," Mr. Zhang smiled.
"Please continue, Hana," our department head agreed. "Jan, please take a seat."
I had no choice but to sit down helplessly.
"Okay, thank you, Mr. Zhang."
As soon as she finished her line, Hana nodded, left her seat and walked to the back of the meeting room where the computer was placed. I caught a glimpse of her as she held an external memory card in her hand.
In an instant, I understood that she had planned this in advance, and a sense of bewilderment rose in my heart.
She inserted the memory card into the computer and, as she walked past me on her way back to her seat, our eyes briefly met. Her eyes were full of innocence and kindness.
What did this mean? I didn't know, but I only knew that I was burning with anger. Fuck.
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