Financial Workplace Survival Guide – CH 024

Chapter 24 ☆, Strictly Following Workplace Rules Is a Life-Saving Strategy.

A blind date left both Mary and Xin Xin exhausted.

Xin Xin was still mired in exhaustion when she returned to work on Monday.

Mary had been dealt a heavy blow. Even during her most difficult times, she always wore elaborate makeup and looked radiant. But this Monday, she arrived at the company with a rare no-makeup look and a listless demeanor.

At the Monday morning meeting, Chen Gang announced the results of the investigation into the whistleblower complaint.

Chen Gang lamented, “The ultimate goal of our company’s internal audit and regular inspections by the Discipline Inspection Commission is to ensure that the company operates in compliance and maintains a better internal environment. We welcome any well-founded, proactive suggestions for the company’s development, and we also welcome reports of violations.”

Then, his gaze swept sternly over everyone, finally resting faintly on Xixi. “However, for complaints and reports made underhandedly, primarily to vent personal anger, confuse the public, or frame colleagues, we will also deal with them once we verify their perpetrators.”

The words were stern. Xin Xin glanced over and noticed that everyone was seemingly observing Xixi. For a moment, the scene resembled a bad suspense film, with only one suspect from the outset.

Xixi’s expression was utterly grim. For the first time, a solemn hatred shone across her face, which had always sported a flattering smile.

The direction of this hatred was so clear that she glared at Xin Xin.

Xin Xin internally cried out, “Where is justice?” She was clearly the one being slandered, so if anyone was to feel hatred, she should be the first to do so.

After Chen Gang finished speaking, Chen Lisha also self-criticized, promising to continuously improve her management skills and then to continuously rectify the company’s culture and ensure these negative practices were eradicated.

Chen Gang seemed genuinely furious, having lost a week’s schedule over such groundless rumors.

Ultimately, the letter only affected Ashley’s case, and Chen Lisha was also implicated, receiving a Party warning. Ashley had already left, bearing the brunt of the consequences. But Xixi, the person handling the matter at the time, had to deal with it as well. Because she wasn’t a Party member, any other disciplinary action would have seemed too severe; she could only be fined one quarter’s bonus.

The incident ended just like that, and Xin Xin escaped unscathed.

That evening, Chen Lisha paid for dinner for the inspection team and invited Xin Xin to join them. Xin Xin dragged her exhausted body and feigned complaisance with the team.

When she first started working, Xin Xin refused all social engagements. Of course, no one took her there.

Later, Zhao Xi arrived. Her admiration and respect for him led her to appear at receptions as his confidante. Initially, Xin Xin was unsure of her alcohol tolerance and drank awkwardly, often pressured by some clients.

Xin Xin remembered Zhao Xi’s lively conversations with clients, and his drinking was unrestrained and natural. For a long time, she believed Zhao Xi could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. Until one day, after entertaining a client, Zhao Xi fell asleep on the table before he’d even finished speaking.

After many encounters, Xin Xin realized that Zhao Xi couldn’t hold his liquor, so he relied on his sheer courage to drink without hesitation, calmly and with aplomb.

Zhao Xi told Xin Xin this secret: “Drinking is just a way to create an atmosphere. The real purpose isn’t the drink itself. It can help you build rapport with someone, but it can also make them dislike you from the start.”

At that time, Xin Xin was wary of all social situations, inevitably feeling like a frightened bird.

Zhao Xi repeatedly came to her rescue, teaching her how to handle it. “Your alcohol tolerance is enough for most situations. Remember, either drink it all up—most social occasions are one-time deals. If you lack the ability, intimidating others with your presence is enough. Or, don’t drink at all and create the atmosphere. The worst thing to do in social situations is to be reluctant to drink or to play it safe.”

Thus, after years of training from Zhao Xi, Xin Xin became a master of the ways of the world.

Her alcohol tolerance was not bad for a girl, enough to handle most situations. While her interpersonal skills weren’t perfect, they were certainly flawless.

After three rounds of drinks, Chen Gang smiled and said to Zhao Xi, “Your beloved disciple is just like you in every way.”

Zhao Xi smiled at Xin Xin, as if he were a painter admiring his own work. “The disciple surpasses the master.”

Xin Xin said politely, “Not at all. Mr. Zhao is a genius. I’ve only learned the basics.”

Chen Lisha took the opportunity to recommend Xin Xin to Chen Gang. “Xin Xin is modest. She’s very well-rounded. Her business, coordination, and marketing skills are all excellent.”

Chen Gang smiled and said, “With Zhao Xi’s discerning eye, the disciple he chose must be the best. Xiao Zhao is truly outstanding. He’ll outshine everyone else wherever he’s put. He can do market analysis in the back office and handle projects in the front office. Ms. Chen, your branch is a place where hidden talents are everywhere. Xin Xin, Fu Meng, and Yang Rui in the legal department are all elite talents. Train them well.”

Chen Lisha smiled silently, expressing her agreement.

Chen Gang continued, “But this company’s culture truly needs to be rectified. Sometimes, a moment of leniency can ruin the entire company. Young people who want to go far must focus on their work. If mid-level leaders engage in crooked practices, young people will follow suit, and that can lead to schemes and intrigues, which is not good.”

Hearing this, Xin Xin understood that Chen Gang must be dissatisfied with the handling of the whistleblower complaint.

Chen Lisha smiled and said, “Yes, some things are most vulnerable to groundless speculation. Don’t worry, Mr. Chen, I will intensify the rectification efforts going forward. If I discover anyone engaging in these petty misdeeds, we will deal with them severely.”

This statement was quite stern. Xin Xin had long known that Chen Lisha was dissatisfied with Xixi, and she presumably believed that she hadn’t found any evidence.

If they had found any evidence at all, Xixi might have been fired.

After dinner, Xin Xin accompanied Chen Lisha to see the inspection team off to the airport, and the two of them returned home. As the inspection team left, Chen Lisha also showed signs of fatigue. “As we get older, our energy sometimes doesn’t keep up.”

Xin Xin flattered her, “How can you be considered old? Besides, we’re the only ones who know your age. Others wouldn’t be able to guess your actual age. When I first arrived, you were on stage training us. You were so charismatic, your skin so white you glowed, and we all looked up to you as a role model.”

Chen Lisha smiled and said, “Back then, I was only in my thirties, full of vigor and vitality, and I was competitive in everything. Now that I think about it, it wasn’t that interesting.”

These words came from the heart. Most people, after achieving the success they’ve long pursued, can’t help but feel this way. Xin Xin smiled but said nothing. It was just the modesty of a strong person; just listen. If she had lost, she’d probably have a different perspective.

Chen Lisha sighed, “You just heard that President Chen isn’t satisfied with the handling of Xixi’s situation. My point is, Xixi isn’t suitable for the position of Deputy General Manager anymore. But I can’t find anyone suitable right now. Do you have any recommendations?”

Xin Xin understood that Chen Lisha was determined to take this opportunity to replace Xixi. There was actually a ready-made candidate for the position: Mary, with her level of experience and qualifications, was perfectly suited. But the leadership must have their own ideas about personnel allocation.

“The Risk Department is a very important back-office department. To control risks, you still need to understand internal management systems, and people from the business departments are the best.”

Xin Xin spoke very cautiously. Those who understood internal management systems were generally those in internal control, finance, legal, and office management. But she didn’t mention personnel, intentionally leaving that leeway for Chen Lisha.

Chen Lisha felt that every word Xin Xin said resonated with her.

“You came from Accounting and Finance, and Mary Zhao joined with you. What do you think of her? While she doesn’t hold a real position, her rank is high enough for department Vice President. My idea is to let Mary Zhao get the position and Xixi go to Internal Control. Xixi won’t be demoted, and she won’t be appointed. This way, the higher-ups will be satisfied with the outcome. If Mary Zhao performs well, she’ll be able to take charge of the situation within a year or two.”

Xin Xin’s mind was clear. Chen Lisha was testing her. Chen Lisha must have planned to promote Mary, but she was wary of Xin Xin, fearing she would form a clique with Mary and establish her own power within the company.

If she had just mentioned Mary directly, it would have inevitably created resentment in Chen Lisha.

Since ancient times, the only thing that has intimidated leaders more than incompetent subordinates was simply this: “overwhelming achievements.”

In Chen Lisha’s eyes, Xin Xin was an old subordinate of Zhao Xi’s. In the Haining branch, both in terms of employee base and customer base, she was considered a top employee.

Now that she had just been promoted to department head, her influence was still relatively new, so she was naturally obedient. But a few years later, once Xin Xin had grown more established, the situation would be very different.

Chen Lisha had no intention of promoting Mary unless it was absolutely necessary. But Sister Fan, who handled internal controls and compliance, was approaching retirement; Yang Rui was a lazy guy who only cared about getting by; and Fu Meng was a hard-nosed hire parachuted in by a superior, determined to build a career in investment banking and return to headquarters quickly. There were a few promising young prospects, but their experience was too limited.

After much deliberation, there was no one available, so she had to consider transferring Mary.

Xin Xin knew Chen Lisha was putting herself on the spot. Her close personal relationship with Mary was well known. If she went along with it, Chen Lisha would inevitably think she was taking advantage of the situation to build her own influence. If she went against it, it would be unfair to Mary and unjust.

Xin Xin pretended to suddenly realize something. “How could I have forgotten Mary? I have a good personal relationship with Mary, and I know her well. Her family is in business, and she’s well-off. Plus, she’s got a knack for making money, so it’s inevitable that she’s not as driven in her career. That’s why she applied to stay in the background. Otherwise, she’d be better than me.”

This statement not only indicated Mary’s lack of ambition but also revealed that their relationship was merely personal, with no official interaction.

Chen Lisha hadn’t expected Mary to be like this. Mary naturally gave off the air of being incredibly ambitious and uncontrollable.

“I didn’t expect that. If she hadn’t been motivated to get promoted, she wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

Xin Xin casually said, “Mary is strong in her business and impartial. She’s also good with finances and risk management. I believe she’ll live up to Ms. Chen’s expectations no matter where she lands.”

Chen Lisha had originally intended to test Xin Xin, but now she was persuaded. Front-office departments were suited to ambitious employees with a strong desire for success, who would stop at nothing to win over clients and achieve success.

Back-office roles, such as risk control and compliance, were best suited for individuals with strong skills, a comfortable family background, and no financial burdens. Such individuals wouldn’t be blinded by short-term gains and make catastrophic mistakes.

Employees like Xixi were overly eager to succeed and prove themselves. But everyone knew that the best situation for back-office support departments was to avoid problems. Employees who were overly eager to prove themselves inevitably stirred up unnecessary trouble.