America 1919

Chapter 1630: 601: No One May Challenge Donnie Block's Authority! (2)

Capítulo 1630: Chapter 601: No One May Challenge Donnie Block’s Authority! (2)

The meeting room was filled with whispers.

Everyone was seated here, hoping Donnie would retract his order.

Naturally, they couldn’t let Donnie continue with his order.

Someone had to be the one to speak up first.

The executive who first opposed Donnie’s order to George Archer at the ADM meeting spoke up.

“Sir, we should fully implement your order, but since you’ve entrusted all of ADM to us, we must consider the interests of the group and yourself!”

Donnie nodded with a smile and said, “I remember you, Kurt Guzman, from the Strategic Department, currently serving as the head of ADM’s South American region!”

After ADM became the largest grain company in the U.S., it inevitably began to focus abroad, with Brazil and Argentina becoming key countries in ADM’s strategy.

Kurt Guzman, excited that Donnie remembered his name and position, said, “Sir, you still remember me!”

“Of course!” Donnie nodded, as if it was only natural: “I remember everyone who came from the Strategic Department!”

Kurt Guzman, even more excited, started to speak more.

“Sir, at the end of last year, the group had already formulated a strict development plan for this year, investing a large amount of resources in it.

First of all, we agree with your order, as the international situation is unstable and the price of various grains around the world is rising. Stockpiling grains could indeed lead to higher prices in the future.”

Kurt Guzman first affirmed Donnie’s order. Don’t think these people are foolish; they understand very well the reason behind Donnie’s order.

But understanding does not mean agreement.

This involves their personal interests and the group’s interests. Donnie’s order might be good for the entire Venus Consortium, but not necessarily for ADM or their personal interests.

These people are individuals first, then employees of ADM.

“You make some valid points, continue!” Donnie gestured to Kurt Guzman.

The rest of the group saw that Donnie did not refute Kurt Guzman, and in fact acknowledged him.

This made others regret not being the first to speak up.

Kurt Guzman continued: “While the international situation is chaotic, no one can determine what the actual development prospects will be.

Even if there’s a potential for war, no one knows what scale it might be or when it might happen.

Also, internally within the group, as I’ve mentioned, we’ve invested significant resources for this year’s development. Rashly changing the prior strategy could waste all previous investments.

It’s also hard to explain to our partners.

And, of course, it’s a loss for the group’s interests.

So I personally suggest that the group follow last year’s plan for this year, and next year we can execute your order!”

After speaking, Kurt Guzman looked at Donnie with anticipation.

Donnie’s satisfied smile put Kurt Guzman’s worried heart at ease.

It also encouraged others to express themselves more.

“Very good, I often say that the group’s success depends on everyone’s efforts, and Guzman’s idea has proven that point.

Do any of you have other ideas? Opportunities like today are rare, so let me know what you’re thinking!”

Encouraged by Kurt Guzman’s opinion, the others felt more at ease and began to voice their thoughts.

From ADM to General Motors to Cadillac, many had their thoughts.

Donnie leaned back in his chair, listening to their reports, occasionally offering some encouragement.

Beside him, a recorder diligently took notes on the meeting’s proceedings.

After more than an hour, everyone finally finished expressing their thoughts.

At this point, everyone looked at Donnie with anticipation, hoping he would accept their suggestions and temporarily halt the previous order.

Donnie did not immediately respond; instead, he looked at George Archer and Rudwell Wells.

During the over hour-long meeting, neither had spoken.

“The group executives have all shared their views on my previous order. As the heads of these two groups,

do you have anything to add?”

George Archer and Rudwell Wells, sitting on either side of Donnie, exchanged glances, with George Archer speaking first.

“We should fully support your order, sir. This time, we’ve let you down!”

Rudwell Wells nodded: “I feel the same way; we’ve let you down, sir!”

Their response seemed expected as presenting opposition to a senior leader typically requires first admitting one’s errors.

Donnie chuckled and said, “You two indeed have disappointed me!”

Everyone in the meeting room looked at Donnie, only to find the smile on his face had suddenly vanished.

At this moment, some sharp-minded individuals sensed a different atmosphere.

Donnie coldly stated: “I remember telling McKenzie to convey my order to you, especially reminding you to execute the orders and not to discuss whether the command suited the group’s development.

Now, you’ve actually allowed everyone to present their ideas to headquarters.

So, are you trying to force a coup?”

Donnie’s words were heavy, making those who thought he had accepted their suggestions suddenly realize.

From beginning to end, Donnie never intended to change his orders.

Since Donnie had no intention of changing his orders,

then gathering everyone here and listening to their objections for over an hour, what was Donnie aiming for?

Facing this question, those who spoke passionately turned pale.

Donnie didn’t wait for George Archer or Rudwell Wells to answer but looked at Kurt Guzman.

“Kurt Guzman, I remember when you joined the Strategic Department, I told you the first thing was that unless I used the term ‘order,’ your suggestions were welcome.

But when I use ‘order’ to issue directives, regardless of your understanding, I need your unconditional compliance.

If you can’t obey my orders, what are the consequences?”

Kurt Guzman turned pale, his heart filled with regret.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it, how could I have forgotten this!”

Kurt Guzman hadn’t forgotten; he deliberately didn’t want to think about it.

Donnie’s order harmed his personal interests at ADM, and coupled with the fact that most people opposed the order,

Guzman, like many others, thought they wouldn’t be reprimanded if they stood together.

If everyone opposed Donnie’s order, surely he wouldn’t go against everyone’s wishes, right?

But now, seeing Donnie’s expression, Guzman suddenly remembered Donnie’s words and his personality.

The bargaining chip they relied on perhaps had some weight, but Donnie Block placed a higher value on his authority at Venus Bank.

Everyone knew that Donnie Block’s authority could not be challenged!

They were foolish to think that uniting could change Donnie’s orders?

At this moment, Kurt Guzman finally began to feel fear!