Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 448 Matchmaking
Chen Fan's writing naturally contained more than just five simple nouns; otherwise, it wouldn't have taken him so long.

This also includes explanations of each term, the purpose of implementation, and the implementation process.

The process includes the cause, method, steps, and purpose.

Director Yang and his colleagues carefully examined the document and couldn't help but nod in approval.

Everything is meticulous and feasible; excellent!

Deputy Factory Director Li was the first to look up, and said thoughtfully, "This management method is not only suitable for factories, but it seems that it can also be used in logistics places such as canteens and hospitals?"

Chen Fan smiled and said, "Of course. As I just said, all the sideline businesses in Lujiawan are implementing this theory, and the results are excellent."

However, the management standards he formulated for the sideline businesses in Lujiawan were presented in the form of specific regulations, without mentioning a single word about "5S".

Because the workers in Lujiawan are all former farmers, their general education level is low. If you talk to them in too sophisticated a language, they will get confused.

Therefore, their management must be simple and straightforward, just like Haier's earliest 13 factory rules: "1. No urinating or defecating in the workshop. 2. No being late or leaving early. 3. No drinking alcohol during work hours..."

The goal is to make it clear to everyone at a glance!

Chen Fan then incorporated this theory into the management regulations of various units in Lujiawan.

Given his reputation, coupled with the fact that these farmers knew nothing about management, the project was implemented more smoothly than factories decades later.

Even if it's something you're not used to, absolutely no one would dare to deliberately break the rules. Except for a few people who made mistakes unintentionally in the early stages, everyone was able to implement it smoothly afterward, and no one ever made a mistake again.

Factory Director Yang looked up and said thoughtfully, "I can understand the first few, and I can also understand the last one, 'moral character.' But is it a little difficult to put into practice?"

All other requirements are aimed at the factory environment, but "professionalism" is aimed at the employees.

It is well known that changing people is the most difficult thing, yet this requirement specifically demands the cultivation of employees' behavioral habits, which may cause considerable resistance among workers.

My dear worker!

If they start making trouble, there's no one in the hierarchy who won't be afraid.

Chen Fan immediately shook his head and said seriously, "Whether it's the five principles or the eight principles, the most important and core point is 'competence.' If you can't do this well, everything else is just castles in the air... blah blah blah."

In later periods, almost every company implemented the 5S management method, but only one in ten thousand could truly do it well.

why?

Because those entrepreneurs got their priorities wrong and neglected to train their employees.

If you don't change a person's habits, then a system can only last until the moment the forced regulation ends.

Don't say that 28 days can change a person. That means the person wants to change, and only then can the so-called 28 days be used to cultivate a habit.

If a person doesn't want to change, or even finds it troublesome and rejects it, it's impossible to change in 28 days, let alone 28 years.

Conversely, if the requirement of "competence" can be fully implemented, other requirements will simply follow naturally.

However, on the other hand, we can't entirely blame the business owners or executives, because back then, employees were just laborers. You didn't know when they would leave, so why would you put so much effort into training them to be role models?

If you dare to train them, they'll dare to switch jobs.

Japan was able to implement this system because at the time, the "lifetime employment system" was prevalent in Japan. Unless someone made a serious mistake or the company was on the verge of collapse, Japanese business owners would not easily fire someone, and employees would not resign voluntarily.

Such employees are naturally worth developing.

The current situation is that employees these days are not just on a lifetime employment system, they are practically on a "life-or-death" system!
From the moment a child is born, he is a worker in the factory. As long as the factory doesn't go out of business and he is willing to work there, the factory will take care of him until he goes to the crematorium, through birth, aging, illness, death, and even marriage and starting a family.

Shouldn't employees like this be properly trained?!
For example, Director Yang and his colleagues had never considered this issue. His question stemmed solely from his incomprehension of the management method.

But he was also a senior college graduate, with a level of thinking and comprehension far exceeding that of ordinary people. Upon hearing Chen Fan's words, he immediately understood the reasoning and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Yes, yes, no matter how good the policy is, it still needs people to implement it. If the people are not qualified, then even a good policy cannot be implemented."

He looked down at the method again and found every word to be precious, so he nodded repeatedly.

At this moment, Chairman Zhao of the trade union looked at Chen Fan with a hint of puzzlement and asked, "You just said there are three other principles: safety, speed, and economy. Why didn't you write them down together?"

Chen Fan patiently explained, "Safety is of course of paramount importance, but the safety I'm referring to isn't just about production safety. If production safety is ensured and these five principles are implemented effectively, then we can essentially eliminate the problem."

Factory Director Yang immediately became interested, pulled up a chair to sit opposite him, offered him a cigarette, and asked curiously, "Is there some other explanation besides production safety?"

Don't even mention personal safety and property security; that's basic common sense. Besides, it's not the factory management's responsibility; that's the security department's job.

In addition to being responsible to the factory, the security department is also under the leadership of the public security department. The responsibility is extremely heavy, but the factory has no right to interfere too much.

They only accept tasks assigned by the factory, which is known as "following orders but not directives."

Chen Fan took the cigarette, glanced at the wall clock, and said quietly, "Uncle Yang, it's already noon. Why don't we eat and talk?"

He still wants to dismantle the car this afternoon, so he can't do it without eating his fill.

Deputy Factory Director Li slapped his forehead, "I'd forgotten all about it."

He then smiled and said, "I've already made arrangements at the cafeteria. Shall we head over now?"

Factory Director Yang also felt his stomach rumbling, so he smiled and nodded, "Food is the foundation of life, let's go!"

……

Moving to the small canteen, Chen Fan ate two bowls of rice before saying, "Safety originally refers to personal and property safety. Since it can be applied to the production field, why can't it be extended to other fields?"

Looking at the three leaders who were holding chopsticks and deep in thought, Chen Fan took a sip of tea before lighting the cigarette that Director Yang had given him earlier. He smiled and said, "Strictly speaking, production safety is only a part of workplace safety. If all jobs and departments are included in the scope of safety management, the scope of safety will immediately expand a lot, such as information security, financial security, and so on."

In addition, family safety, health safety, logistical and food security, and even environmental safety can all be included.

Nowadays, people say that a large factory is like a small society, and the factory leaders are like the "parent officials" of this small society, so they have to consider every aspect..."

Why were early state-owned enterprise leaders able to smoothly transition to local government positions?
Because most of the things available in local communities are also available in their factories, they are very familiar with the relevant work arrangements and can naturally make seamless transitions.

As Chen Fan recalled and pondered, he explained each clause of the "Eight Principles" to them.

"Safety can be extended to other things as well, and in addition to extensions, they can also be combined. For example, speed and economy can be summarized as efficiency, but efficiency alone is not enough to encompass everything, so breaking it down allows for more detailed analysis..."

They chatter away non-stop, without even missing a meal.

After a satisfying meal, Chen Fan leaned back in his chair, picked up his teacup, took a leisurely sip, and exhaled a breath of air as he said, "These management matters are all theoretical; I'm powerless when it comes to the specifics of implementation."

He can make suggestions, but when it comes to implementation, aside from a few times in Lujiawan, and only when the promotion of first aid methods is of great importance and involves human lives, does he personally conduct drills. Don't expect him to take action elsewhere.

Factory Director Yang wasn't surprised by his attitude. Firstly, he had heard about it before, and secondly, Chen Fan was too young. Even with his father's influence and his own support, he couldn't convince the older workers. So, he had to take care of this matter himself.

After carefully putting away the manuscript filled with notes, Director Yang nodded and smiled, "It's alright, I'll handle this myself." Chen Fan smiled, "There's one last suggestion."

Meeting the three pairs of questioning eyes, he smiled and said, "This matter should not be rushed. Let's start by selecting a workshop for a pilot program, and at the same time, come up with a set of reward and punishment regulations. Whatever effect is achieved, give the participating workers a reward to improve everyone's enthusiasm."

Once we see tangible results, we'll summarize our experiences, form a promotion team, and implement it throughout the entire factory.

Factory Director Yang looked at him and chuckled, "You still say you don't understand execution, but I think this approach is excellent."

Deputy Factory Director Li and Chairman Zhao nodded repeatedly, praising Chen Fan highly.

Chen Fan's expression changed slightly. "Uncles, you're praising me so much, are you trying to renege on your debt?"

Upon hearing this, Director Yang's face stiffened immediately. Was that what I meant?

Deputy Factory Director Li, standing nearby, immediately laughed and said, "Don't worry about that. I'm in charge of the factory's logistics. If I say there's a car, there will be one. And the 100 yuan allowance is guaranteed."

He paused for a moment, then tentatively added, "If you could come here once a week and see patients at the hospital, the stipend would be quite good..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Fan quickly put down his teacup and waved his hand, "No, no, no, I really don't have time for this."

The three exchanged a glance, sighed in unison, and felt quite regretful.

The scene of Chen Fan's emergency rescue just now really shocked them. Those with broken hands and legs are a little better, at most the person suffers but there is rarely any danger to life. But internal bleeding is different. You can't see what's inside with the naked eye. It all depends on experience to diagnose. Whether it is late treatment or misdiagnosis, it may cause life-threatening danger.

If Chen Fan could stay at the hospital permanently, it would greatly protect the lives of the workers.

But Chen Fan refused without hesitation, leaving no room for negotiation.

At this moment, Chen Fan thought for a moment and said, "However, after taking a look, apart from Dean Lin, the doctors at the staff hospital seem to be lacking in skill."

"You don't need to save face."

Deputy Factory Director Li said with a wry smile, "In the past, there were two senior doctors in charge, but one passed away a couple of years ago and the other retired and went to his son's place in the provincial capital to enjoy his old age. Dean Lin is one of their apprentices. He was the best among the short ones and was barely promoted to dean."

We also contacted the health department, hoping they could arrange for two highly skilled doctors to come, but their reply was, "Not even one, let alone two!"

Chairman Zhao shook his head and sighed, "Actually, our factory has pretty good benefits. Although the salary levels are the same, the various welfare items are definitely higher than those in the hospital, and quite a few people are willing to come."

What's the use of having a lot of people? What we need are people with specialized skills!
And these talented people all just want to stay and work in the hospital, saying it's where they can hone their medical skills and continue learning from those with even better medical expertise. There's nothing we can do about it.

Is that so?
Chen Fan thought for a moment and said, "If you want a doctor with a special skill, I can recommend two."

The three of them's eyes suddenly lit up.

Deputy Factory Director Li quickly replied, "Then Uncle Li won't stand on ceremony with you. If this matter is successfully handled, I will give you a major commendation!"

He then asked impatiently, "Which hospital is the doctor from?"

Chen Fan smiled and said, "It's not a big hospital, just two ordinary doctors from our Nanhu Commune Health Center."

Upon hearing this, the three of them were all taken aback.

From the commune health center?

That's just a small clinic, what good doctors could it possibly have?

Chen Fan wasn't in a hurry and said softly, "These two are, firstly, Dr. Lu Shouquan, who taught me the basics of traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Lu is over 80 years old. He used to practice medicine at a private pharmacy in Gufeng County. After the pharmacy was merged into the Gufeng County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, he returned to his hometown of Nanhu and was invited by the local health center to practice medicine there, and he still does so now."

His medical skills, while not exceptionally high—far inferior to those of Elder Wang at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital—were not those of just any doctor. At the very least, he was better than Dean Lin, and even slightly inferior to several senior internal medicine physicians at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.

Upon hearing this, Deputy Factory Director Li's eyes immediately lit up.

The senior internal medicine doctor at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital was someone he had always dreamed of recruiting, but this Dr. Lu was even better than him, so he couldn't let him go!
At this moment, Chairman Zhao hesitated, "Xiao Fan, you said this Dr. Lu is over 80 years old, is he still willing to come out?"

Chen Fan laughed, "82, he definitely didn't want to come out, but neither of his sons nor daughters inherited his medical skills. They're both currently working in commune units, and as far as I know, the pay isn't very high. Plus, some of his grandchildren are temporary workers..."

That was all he had to say, but Deputy Factory Director Li understood.

He immediately nodded and said, "This is easy to arrange. As long as he is willing to come, nothing else will be a problem."

Leaving aside the factory, the supporting logistics unit can easily arrange for dozens of people. It's just a small family, so it couldn't be simpler. Besides, it's not like the whole family needs to be taken care of. Help him convert a few temporary workers to permanent positions, and give him a few openings at the machinery factory so his family can come and take care of him. That should be about it.

He paused for a moment, then remembered there was another one and asked, "What's the other one?"

Chen Fan: "The other one is also from Nanhu Health Center. He is an old doctor in charge of orthopedics at the hospital. Because he has never been to school and only knows a few words, he has never been able to pass the exam to be promoted. However, his other medical skills are not very good, but his bone setting and massage are superb. In a situation like today, he would be the same."

Moreover, his family situation is even simpler; he has a son and a daughter, both of whom have their own families and regular jobs.

Anyway, that's the situation. Whether you can get them to come over depends on your methods.

Factory Director Yang nodded slowly, but compared to Deputy Factory Director Li, who couldn't wait to invite someone right away, he wasn't in such a hurry. Instead, he said seriously, "Old Li, it's rare to find a capable doctor. Find some time in the next couple of days to make a trip there yourself and see if you can invite him over."

He even blinked as he spoke.

Deputy Factory Director Li, who had worked with him for many years, immediately understood that this person wanted him to test the other party's abilities first. If the person was genuine, he would spare no expense to poach them.

If the doctors at the city hospital can't dig it up, can't the doctors at the local health clinics dig it up too?

Director Yang can give Chen Fan the utmost trust, but for others, he must handle things strictly according to official procedures.

Chen Fan picked up his teacup and drank water, pretending not to see their little actions.

It's one thing for Dr. Lu to be so old, he doesn't seem to be thinking of coming out again, but it's another matter if it's for the sake of the younger generation.

As for Doctor Dong, when Chen Fan was learning bone setting from him, he could tell that Doctor Dong was somewhat depressed and felt his talents were not being recognized. If Deputy Factory Director Li were to personally recruit him, there would be no reason for him not to come.

By acting as a go-between for both sides, regardless of whether the deal goes through or not, you can repay some favors on one side and gain a lot of favors on the other. Why not do it?

After a brief discussion, the three leaders finalized the matter.

Because he needed to verify the qualifications of the two doctors, Deputy Factory Director Li did not mention asking Chen Fan for an introduction.

He finished his cigarette, stubbed out the remaining half in the ashtray, and smiled at Chen Fan, "Let's go, I'll take you to the motorcade and show you those cars, so you won't say we're just making empty promises to you again."

Chen Fan stood up abruptly, his face serious, and said, "No way! The three uncles are all upright leaders; how could they lie to me!"

Upon hearing this, the three of them shook their heads in unison.

Chairman Zhao and Deputy Factory Director Li exchanged a glance with Factory Director Yang, thinking, "This kid is indeed like an eel, slippery as can be."

(End of this chapter)