โI agree!โ Roger echoed immediately. โHannah will get to know the employees better and engage more directly with the market if she starts as a grassroots supervisor. This will significantly benefit her management skills later.โ
โI donโt agree!โ Hannah countered.
Rogerโs expression shifted. Heโd thought Hannah had conceded, but she was again assertive and competitive.
โSince you simply want to assess my capabilities, thereโs no need to make me start as a supervisor. Itโs unnecessary! Why not let me remain in my current position to earn your approval and trust? If I prove incapable or fail to gain your trust, you can dismiss me then. Why waste time on this?โ
โDo you really think business is as simple as playing house? Do you understand the importance of the sales director position? One wrong decision could ruin Cooper Groupโs market development. How can we allow you to โfool aroundโ?โ Roger said harshly. โAnd do you feel wronged by being offered a supervisor position? If you werenโt Mr. Chairmanโs daughter, youโd be hired as a grassroots employee, regardless of your impressive resume! Mr. Watson's suggestion to start you as a supervisor demonstrates our trust in you and your abilities. Don't push your luck or embarrass yourself. Youโre young and may not prioritize reputation, but don't embarrass your father!โ
โUncle Roger, you should be the one feeling embarrassed,โ Hannah retorted.
โRight. Regardless, you're my niece! Your attitude has embarrassed the Cooper family,โ Roger declared self-righteously.
โYouโre so righteous, Uncle Roger! But my point is, you seem to have forgotten that your son, Wayne, became the General Affairs Department director after graduating college. Your elder daughter, Jane, was appointed Marketing Office Manager in the sales department immediately after graduation. And your younger daughter, Mary, who joined the company the same day as me, was also a newcomer. Yet, she directly took over her sister's position.โ
Rogerโs face flushed crimson. He was furious and humiliated.
โWhatโs wrong, Uncle Roger? Do you think only your children deserve privileged positions upon joining the company? And the CEOโs daughter has no such privilege?โ
โYouโฆโ Roger was speechless. He had no retort.
An awkward silence filled the meeting room. Initially, theyโd considered Rogerโs argument fair and impartial, given Hannah was his niece and he and Miguel were close. However, his partiality toward his own children had become evident.
โSure, I agree with Mr. Watson,โ Hannah stated, implying her disagreement with Rogerโs biased actions.
Maxwell felt embarrassed. No one had questioned Wayne, Jane, or Mary's appointments, yet Hannah faced significant opposition on her first day.
โConsidering the company's interests, placing someone in a significant position without proven capacity is unreasonable. I want this job not because Iโm unwilling to start as a supervisor or fear the challenge; I simply don't want to waste time. Time is our most precious resource.โ
โTo alleviate your concerns and avoid wasting precious time, I propose a deal! Before all Cooper Group senior managers, I set a goal: If I fail to achieve it, I'll quit and never return, let alone start as a grassroots employee. If I succeed, you must accept me as sales director.โ
Hannah's words were powerful and resolute, projecting a seasoned businesswoman's aura, far beyond her 22 years and inexperience.
โWhat goal?โ Maxwell asked, attempting to deflect the awkwardness.
โWithin three months, Iโll lead the sales department to achieve 80% of the companyโs second-half sales volume. Within six months, our departmentโs sales volume will double last year's total turnover.โ
The room erupted in shocked discussion. Her boldness was unprecedented.
What fueled Hannah's confidence?
โHannah, think carefully,โ Miguel cautioned, urging her to be realistic.
While the latter half of the year was peak season, doubling the sales volume was improbable, especially given Cooper Group's already high market share. Matching last year's volume would be considered a success. Miguel doubted Hannah's ability to double last year's total sales within six months.
โIโve considered it,โ Hannah replied confidently.
Miguel conceded; he couldn't openly contradict her in front of shareholders without appearing biased.
Seeing her father's silence, Hannah knew he'd acquiesce despite his confusion about her bold move.
Turning to the others, she asked, โWhat do you think of this deal?โ
Silence persisted, forcing Hannah to address Maxwell, her initial opponent: โMr. Watson, what are your thoughts?โ
โI agree, but I doubt you'll achieve this goal,โ Maxwell stated bluntly, unconvinced of her success.
โA promise is a promise. I'll keep my word, having made it publicly.โ
โOkay,โ Maxwell conceded. โI agree.โ He inwardly believed Hannah would fail.
Hannah ignored his skepticism. Securing Maxwell's agreement, she turned to Roger: โWhat about you, Mr. Vice-President?โ
โI concur with Mr. Watson. I agree, provided you keep your promise.โ
โSo, we have an agreement regarding my position as sales director,โ Hannah concluded.
The remaining attendees remained silent, tacitly accepting the agreement. If Hannah succeeded, she would be CEO material.
โUncle Roger, donโt you remember that both Wayne and Mary were directly appointed?โ Hannah abruptly changed the subject.