"Open" campaign
(Baonghean) - The short Mr. Tu and I are racing to the top of the department. He is about to retire. I remember my boss once criticized me: You have a taciturn and quiet personality, you need to change it, it won't be difficult to win the public's sympathy.
The agency is about to hold a vote of confidence from deputy director and above. I suddenly had an idea to find every way to please everyone, let's call it an "openness" campaign.
Start with a handshake.
There, the young man who had just signed the contract was timidly walking towards me. I quickly extended my hand. He took two steps back, his eyes wide with surprise at the sudden action, as if I was about to put fire in his hand. I had never shaken anyone's hand before, except when my boss extended it.
It seems that a handshake doesn't say much. How should I address myself so that people see me as a close friend? Saying hello to comrade sounds too dry and serious. I applied the communication style of the characters in the Chinese novels that I love. When I met the food service lady, I clasped my hands in front of my stomach and bowed slightly: Hello, smoky lady. When my friend just returned from a trip to the islands, I hugged him and said hello to the ocean knight (who wouldn't be happy about that).
As for the retiring department head, besides bowing and hunching, I stammered: Hello, sir (if I say "sir" twice, no matter how strong he is, he will not be willing to give me the seat of power).
At first, people were surprised and confused by my overly open and friendly attitude, but the gradual rain soaked in, and everyone was happy. Some even wished me to become a future boss.
Oh! That would be great. The “openness” campaign seems to be working.
And then what had to happen happened.
One beautiful spring morning, the Head of Department called me up. I was sure that the Chief would give me the promotion decision and give me all the instructions.
Looking at his different expression, with his voice trying to sound friendly and open but unable to hide his hesitation, I felt a little guilty.
He slowly said: The decision has been made to promote comrade Nguyen Van T. (my opponent) to the position of department head to replace me when I retire.
As for you, who has many years of experience in the agency and is good at mass mobilization, we need to help him to move our agency forward. Supporting the young generation is our responsibility.
I fell backwards, staggering back to the room. I bumped into the contract guy who was grinning so rudely. He held out his hand waiting for me to shake it, but unexpectedly I turned around and stomped away. The “openness” campaign ended without fanfare.
Quynh Tho
