King of Technology: A Fresh Start in 1983

Chen Jianghe stared at Zhang Wei, pondered, and said, "So, you mean this business unit is in charge of production, supply, sales, personnel, finance, and materials all at once?"

"right!"

"Isn't that just a complete company... becoming an independent kingdom within the group?"

"That's right, Mr. Chen, I understand your concerns."

"But if we don't concentrate our efforts and go all in, the management of Tiangong Computer will be disorganized, making it difficult to grow and succeed."

"If you want to make Tiangong Computer one of the group's strategic goals, then you should focus on that goal; otherwise, don't do it!"

"Xiao Zhang, tell me the truth, do you intend to take charge of this business unit?"

"Mr. Chen, I'll say it again: I hope you don't misunderstand me as someone who wants to ask for official positions and power, or to further expand their sphere of influence."

"No matter who is in charge of this, the Tiangong Computer Division should be set up as soon as possible, as this will benefit the group."

Chen Jianghe thought for a moment and said, "I'll consider it and we can discuss it together at the next president's office meeting."

...

While Chen Jianghe was still hesitating about whether to adopt Zhang Wei's suggestion to establish the Tiangong Computer Division, IBM had already begun to take action.

Recognizing the future potential of the personal computer market, IBM established a personal computer division globally.

By drawing on the best and brightest from various departments, the research and development, design, production, procurement, logistics, marketing and channel marketing of the personal computer product line were all integrated into one organic entity.

Zhan Yiling is one of these elite soldiers.

Although Zhan Yiling had never really liked her boss, Jason, the manager of Hong Kong City…

However, when the Singaporean HR manager, Mr. Ke, first asked her if she was willing to transfer to the newly established personal computer division, she was still somewhat reluctant.

To be honest, Zhan Yiling prefers to work in sales to major industry clients.

Each project is like a battle, intricate and unpredictable.

The thrill and sense of accomplishment from securing a big order far surpasses that of selling dozens or hundreds of personal computers.

The projects in the manufacturing industry are much more numerous and scattered compared to those in the government and financial industries.

She works in all sorts of industries and regions, which allows her to always maintain a sense of novelty.

After Manager Ke patiently listened to Zhan Yiling's various concerns...

He said calmly, "Linda, what you said makes sense, and I can understand it."

"But have you ever thought about what you'll be doing five or ten years from now?"

"If you continue doing this, you will go from a junior salesperson to a senior salesperson, and then to a veteran salesperson."

"Do you really enjoy being in sales that much?"

"If you are transferred to the PC department and start as a product specialist, you will be working on a product, and you will be exposed to all the work related to that product."

"Over time, you'll gradually realize that you can actually run a company."

"These two roads will take you to two completely different places, each with its own unique scenery."

"Think carefully about where you prefer to go..."

Manager Ke's words prompted Zhan Yiling to immediately decide to join the personal computer division.

This was the first time in her life that she realized what career planning was.

A person's life is like a train, and the decisive factor is not so much the locomotive driver, but rather the switchman on the railway track.

A driver's diligence can make a train run faster, a driver's perseverance can make a train run farther, and a driver's skill can make a train run more safely.

But every change in route and direction was done by the switchman.

Without switchmen, even the best driver cannot guarantee that a train will travel smoothly and safely to its destination.

Therefore, the path of life does not solely depend on one's own efforts and perseverance.

In reality, more often than not, it depends on the opportunities and choices at each turnout.

Having already made up her mind, Zhan Yiling paused for a moment before continuing, "Since the company has such considerations, as an IBM employee, I should accept the company's arrangements."

"But I have one request: could you please change my title to Product Manager instead of Product Specialist?"

"I believe that, based on my performance over the past few years, you will definitely agree that I deserve this title."

After saying that, she tried her best to keep a straight face while looking at Manager Ke.

In the 1990s, at IBM or most foreign companies, human resources managers were often more assertive than business department heads and managers.

At that time, most of the business supervisors and managers of foreign companies were rotated from abroad to the unfamiliar environment of China.

Not only are they unfamiliar with local regulations, but they also need the human resources department to help them with their own and their family's daily life, including food, clothing, housing, and their children's schooling.

Therefore, at that time, the human resources manager of foreign companies was truly in charge of managing people.

They can even decide a candidate's job position, title, salary, and promotion.

However, in the 21st century, with the bottom-up localization of foreign companies, business unit heads and managers who have gained a deep understanding of the local situation no longer rely on the care of the human resources department…

At this moment, Manager Ke remained expressionless, silently staring directly into Zhan Yiling's eyes.

In her anxiety, Zhan Yiling could feel her heart pounding more and more wildly.

She knew perfectly well that when her internship at IBM ended, three departments were vying to hire her…

Finally, it was Manager Ke from Lion Country who decided to send her to Jason's department to work in major account sales.

At this moment, Zhan Yiling had even begun to imagine how she would save face if Manager Ke rejected her.

She secretly thought that as long as Manager Ke frowned even slightly, she should take the initiative to withdraw her request before Manager Ke could speak.

After a moment of hesitation, Manager Ke smiled silently: "Linda, for me, there is no problem at all."

"I believe you will prove yourself to be an excellent product manager through your actions."

"Keep up the good work! I believe that in three years, you'll become IBM's youngest product director!"

"Just like I believed you would become an outstanding salesperson for IBM back then!"

The initial members of IBM China's Personal Computer Division were not many.

After all, much of the upstream work is done in the United Kingdom and the Asia-Pacific headquarters in the United Kingdom.

My main work in China is brand promotion, marketing, and channel management.

At the meeting where the new department was established, a young, handsome man sat not far from Zhan Yiling.

He looked like a recent college graduate, with an air of trepidation, both curious and nervous about everything.

Unexpectedly, after the meeting, the young man was led by the head of the personal computer division to sit next to Zhan Yiling.

The boss introduced him, saying, "Linda, this new intern is named Feng Wei. He'll be working with you from now on, so please mentor him."

After saying that, the boss left as if he had dropped a burden.

...