The directors stared at Jacob expressionlessly. None of them dared to show even the slightest hint of
emotion. They were undoubtedly furious. However, they remained silent. They knew if they expressed
how they truly felt, they risked losing their jobs. Besides, their words wouldn't work at all.
The example of Jonathan was still fresh in their minds. And so, everyone was still afraid. Nervous
energy continued to grow in the room. The aura in the room became stifling once the silence
compounded the tension. Everyone stared at Jacob. Soon, the silence was broken.
"Mr. Jacob, please think about us. I know the company is in a crisis now, and its performance has
indeed fallen. But we didn't cause the explosion. We didn't wish for it either. Isn't it unfair to let the
directors bear the consequences?"
An older man tried to persuade Jacob to change his mind.
"Yes, boss. We are middle-aged people. As such, we have the greatest need for financial stability and
consistency. After all, we each have to consider expenses such as children's education and buying a
house. If we contribute more to the company, we will have nothing left. How will we survive?"
"Mr. Jacob, you can't do something like this. Your decision is akin to killing a chicken to get an egg.
Haven't you considered long-term gains? We are old, and we have tried our best even though we don't
make too many contributions. The company can't abandon us. We can accept the first two conditions.
But the third provision is unfair. Sacrificing ten percent of our bonus will not bring many benefits to the
company. But the bonus is of great importance to us."
Almost everyone felt dismayed enough to cry. They couldn't accept the rule that the company would
take the money directly. But they didn't know what they could say to convince Jacob to reconsider the
decision.
Many people were old. If they gave their bonus to the company, wouldn't it be equivalent to making
contributions to the company for free?
No one here was so great. Even the most honest people would fight for their benefits. Why should they
be any different?
Jacob stood, ready to speak again. Everyone held their breath in anticipation. They hoped that Jacob
had considered more reasonable terms. Perhaps he would ask for five percent. The directors might
even agree to eight percent. Nobody was sure what number he would quote. But one thing was for
sure. For Jacob, this was just a number. The consequences, however, would be borne by the people in
this room.
The initial offer of ten percent had been too much. What made matters worse is that none of the
directors had been expecting this. They had been completely unprepared for this situation. They would
continue to resist Jacob if he pushed for ten percent. But they secretly wished that he wouldn't. And so,
they looked at Jacob with expectation and nervousness, hoping to hear a fair number from him.
"Well, then let's do as you have suggested. If you meet the standards then you can keep the bonus. I
don't mean to make things difficult for you. But mine is a valid argument. The better the company's
performance, the higher the bonus you will receive. In fact, it won't take too much effort. If you insist on
not giving the bonus to the company, I have no choice but to consider your suggestions."
Jacob shrugged as he spoke. It appeared as though he was compromising. What the others didn't
know was that the negotiation was going just as he had planned. Although Jacob had brought up the
bonus on the spur of the moment, he had found the directors' arguments reasonable. So he didn't
refute them.
James was not surprised. He and Jacob had planned to make a five percent concession. They knew
that the number wasn't large enough to merit refusal. But it was sufficient to give the company the
funds it needed. However, now, Jacob had promised not to take any bonus from the directors.
The way the negotiations had unfolded seemed very convincing. No one thought they were being
manipulated. As long as the first two requirements were met, the company would not lack funds.
Jacob's negotiation skills and efficiency were better than James's.
The directors had been angry initially, but now they felt that Jacob was reasonable. As long as they had
their bonus, they didn't care about the first and second rules.
After hearing Jacob's decision, the tense directors felt relieved enough to smile. They were, indeed,
grateful that Jacob had listened to their concerns and reconsidered. If Jonathan were here, the
negotiation wouldn't have been as successful. But it was also thanks to him that everyone listened to
James's announcement seriously.
"Now that everyone has agreed to the conditions, the meeting should end. But our CEO understands
that the first three terms are restrictions on everyone. He has benevolently agreed to start an
encouragement system. Starting next year, all directors will be rewarded with two million cash if their
business or performance increases by over 10% every year. There is one non-negotiable criterion.
Your performance can't decrease this year and rise to the same level the following year. If your
business or performance exceeds this year's profits, only then will we consider it eligible for the
reward."
After saying that, James paused to gauge everyone's reaction. Generally speaking, the new energy
industry had such tremendous potential that even 50% growth was possible. But the company was
asking for 10% growth in a year. It was a realistic target.
In any aspect of life, opportunities and challenges coexist. This situation was no different. It was
impossible for Jacob not to give the directors some benefits after the first blow. This was not his style.
This is why Jacob had deliberated over what incentive would tempt the directors to work harder.
"Not bad. Although the first three terms are hard to accept, the fourth one is quite good. Last year, my
performance grew by 13%. If only this incentive scheme had started last year!"
"Is this condition only for the directors? Or will other employees be allowed to participate as well? Two
million... Then I can buy a house..." The project manager was so excited by the thought that he jumped
to his feet. It was almost as if he had already achieved the goal.
"Yes, but don't get too excited just yet. Remember that the reward will be proportionate to the revenue
generated by your department's growth or performance. It may be less than two million, but there is a
reward for everyone who achieves their target."
James explained with a smile. Now that everyone was thinking about the reward money, the hostility
they had shown earlier had almost dissipated. Still, a few people pulled their chairs closer and began to
whisper amongst themselves. This reward was such unexpected and fantastic news that they couldn't
contain themselves.
After all, the meeting had started on such a dire note. And the news that they would have to forfeit their
bonus had worried everyone. Even when they hoped that Jacob would reconsider, none in this room
had dreamed that he would offer such a big bonus. He had baited them with money, and everyone had
fallen into his trap. Nevertheless, they felt good. They were all satisfied now.
Jacob smiled as well when he saw the others in the room so full of excitement. Since the incentive had
brought such energy to the people present, he decided to add one new rule temporarily.
"Well, if everyone is in agreement, we can try one more thing. Every year, the company will add three
best performance awards. It doesn't matter who achieves good performance and drives the company's
development, we will give him or her a reward."
Just as Jacob finished speaking, everyone began to whisper among themselves again. This seemed
like such a good day. The news just kept getting better and better. A brief moment later, Jacob snapped
his fingers to catch everyone's attention. Almost instantly, the room became silent. Now, everyone sat
on the edge of their seats as they waited for Jacob to speak. No one wanted to disturb him since they
thought that he was serious.
"Well... The three prizes will be divided into three classes of awards. The first prize is ten million, so you
can buy a villa. We will reward the second-best performer with eight million dollars. I guess that is
enough to buy a small villa. The third-best performer will receive five million. It's sufficient to buy a
large-size high-end house, isn't it?"
Jacob said calmly. He could always talk about business in detail. It was the details that Jacob added
that finally convinced everyone.
James looked at Jacob with admiration. Jacob had unknowingly grown into someone he admired. It felt
good to see his nephew reach new heights and prove himself as a capable businessman. If only
Michael could see Jacob today. He would be very happy and proud of everything Jacob had achieved.
Unfortunately, fate wouldn't have it, and Michael's life had ended well before it should have. He had no
chance to see Jacob now.
The thought brought James deep sorrow. But he concealed his sadness. He was really happy for
Jacob and didn't want his emotions to affect his nephew. No ordinary person could have stood before
men so much older than himself and earned their respect. But Jacob had. Many business owners
would also consider it unwise to offer such large rewards every year. After all, it would become a
considerable expense for the company. But Jacob didn't worry about all that.
As for the three new rewards Jacob had just announced, James was in agreement.
"What a bold CEO! He not only arouses everyone's enthusiasm but also leads everyone to reach the
standard. Good." The man who had the most complaints thus far began to applaud Jacob. After
everything that had transpired, his opinion of Jacob had changed a little.
"Yes. Mr. Jacob is doing an excellent job. We all think that his suggestions are pertinent."
Another young department manager spoke up. He had also been floored by the incentives Jacob
offered. The target seemed realistic, and he felt as though he might have a chance to win.
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