Linda and Sam were working at a multinational high technology corporation.
If you don't know me, my name is Jimmy Huang. I am very glad to share interesting observations from my long working life. I hope my writing can help people provide alternative ideas at working places.
Linda was the most charming program manager. Her hair was radiant gold. She had ocean blue eyes and a queenly figure.
Linda led one project team, that comprised the leaders from the Functional departments ranging from Quality, Procurement, Engineering, to Manufacturing.
Sam was a Supply Chain Manager who was representing the Procurement Department in Linda's project team.
Sam had a devil-may-care outlook, a Titan’s shoulders, and silk black hair.
Linda glanced at Sam when she entered the office this early morning and found him frustrated.
After scanning the project status on her notebook's screen, Linda brought one cup of coffee to Sam's desk.
Linda knew Sam was interested in ancient Greek Gods and Giants.
Sam had noticed Linda was approaching to his desk. The last thing that Sam wanted to do was to talk to Linda because he owed her the recovery plan for a material shortage.
Linda: Have a cup of coffee! Have you ever seen the latest Ragnarök Season 2?
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| Attribution: Netflix Ragnarök Season 2 |
Ragnarök was the magical word that sparked Sam's deep heart, and the magma suddenly erupted from his deep heart.
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| Attribution: BBC |
Sam's frowned bristly eyebrows suddenly elevated, and gave her a bright smile.
Sam: Yep! Season 2 has a stunning beginning. Do you know who's Laurits' father?
Linda: Giant and the Mortal produce babies is not news. Zeus, the king of the Universe, used to do a lot.
Sam: A-Ha! You got it.
Sam suddenly felt magma flowing into his veins, and his powers were coming back
Sam: What could I do for you, Principle Ran?
Linda: Thor! Do you have any updates for me about CPU status?
Sam: I had a video conference with CPU commodity managers in the US last night and didn't have any result after two hours of conversation.
Linda: Jesus Christ! Two hours! It's long enough to watch three episodes of Ragnarök. That conference should be stopped immediately if CPU manager wasn't prepared.
Linda slapped fondly Sam's shoulders.
Linda: No worry! Let's find out together what caused your conference so inefficient.
Sam felt calmer and knew Linda has his back.
Sam: Sure! Let's discuss that this afternoon.
Application at a working place:
Arguments or disputes happen at working places like every second.
Why does that happen so frequently?
Talking to colleagues without having their interests at heart is so dangerous that may trigger World War III.
Did I scare you? I am trying my tough impression. Ha! Ha!
When you talk to someone, who has your interests at heart, that is like adding additives in the gears that can eliminate any squeaks immediately. The conversion would become far more smooth than you can imagine.
In this Episode 1, Linda knew Greek Gods were Sam's interests. Instead of talking about the business at the beginning, Linda talked to Sam about his interests as an appetizer.
Once that conversation is warmed up, she let Sam serve the main course himself.
That is a smart approach, isn't it?
