Chapter 39: The Difference Between Being a Secretary and a Leader

Jiang Li looked at the old woman with an expression of thirst for knowledge. Recently, she had indeed been unable to find her direction, feeling as lost as a headless fly.

"Let’s move on to the second rule of being a secretary: be diligent and quick-footed. The essence of secretarial work lies in the details. Handling documents, scheduling itineraries, and taking meeting minutes—none of these can be taken lightly. A single typo or a missed item could lead to a major disaster. When your leader assigns a task, act on it immediately; don't drag your feet. For your own responsibilities, take the initiative to think and act ahead. Being nimble, diligent with your pen, and observant—these are your foundational skills."

Jiang Li glanced at her mother, Xie Yun. Perhaps this was the guidance that had made her mother so excellent in the past? It was exactly how her mother had taught her when she served as Qin Mu’s secretary.

The old woman continued, "Third, keep your mouth shut. Being by a leader's side, you hear and see many things. You must have a sense of judgment regarding what should be said and what should not. Do not pry into things you shouldn't know, and do not repeat a single word that shouldn't be spread. Do not guess at matters the leader has not yet decided; once decided, follow the rules. Keeping your lips sealed is the bottom line and the key to earning trust."

After the old woman finished, Jiang Li looked at her with approval. "Yes, Grandma Ji, I have worked as a secretary for several years; I understand."

Hearing this, the old woman nodded. "Of course, being a secretary doesn't require you to shoulder the ultimate responsibility and pressure, but you must now. After all, in a month, you will be the president of the Jiang Group. With your current temperament, you are not yet qualified. You must change, you must learn, and you must find your proper place."

"After all, a secretary serves the leader; they are not the 'second leader.' You must not let your head swell just because you are close to the leader, and you must never use the leader's name for personal gain. At the same time, whether dealing with superiors or subordinates, be humble and cautious. Doing a good job is your duty. Remember the 'Five Don'ts': Don't rely on status, don't be arrogant, don't boast, don't be timid, and don't be opinionated."

Xie Yun nodded. "My mentor taught me exactly this. I have kept it in my heart, and I am grateful for her teachings, which have benefited me for a lifetime."

The old woman nodded. "What I teach isn't necessarily absolute. After all, leaders have broader horizons and new ways of thinking. To keep up with the pace, you must keep learning. Study policy documents, understand business knowledge, and put extra effort into the areas the leader focuses on. Only when you have substance in your mind can you serve as a capable advisor and assistant."

Jiang Li looked at her mother with gratitude. Since she was a child, her mother had taught her to be a good secretary: be meticulous, work hard, be discreet, know your place, and keep a sharp mind, all while doing every small task with diligence.

Now, she no longer needed to learn how to be a secretary; she needed to learn how to be a leader, which was even harder.

"Grandma Ji, I truly have no experience in being a leader, and I feel a bit timid."

Hearing this, Grandma Ji smiled slightly. Without realizing it, Elder Jiang had been standing behind them for quite some time, and he approached with a kind expression.

"Little Li, don't worry. Although what Grandma Ji said is solid advice, as a leader, you must also have your own judgment. Of course, I know that at your young age, you may be indecisive or hesitant. That is why I specifically sent my protégé, Little Ji—Grandma Ji’s grandson, Ji Han—to help you."

Jiang Li nodded. "Very well, thank you, Grandfather and Grandma Ji. I believe that after Dr. Ji Han arrives, he will teach me a great deal."

"You child, do you know Ji Han? How else would you know he was a doctor?"

At Grandma Ji's question, Jiang Li smiled. "Yes, we were classmates in college. Furthermore, when my daughter Youyou had heart disease, Ji Han gave us a lot of help and care. I am very grateful to him."

Grandma Ji nodded. "No wonder that brat stayed in the hospital instead of coming home to inherit the family business. So that’s why. I kept saying that if he didn't come back soon, the family business would go to ruin. Instead, he claimed he wouldn't come home until he won back his girlfriend. Could the girlfriend he mentioned be you, Jiang Li?"

Hearing this, Jiang Li said awkwardly, "How could that be? A man as excellent as Dr. Ji must have a girlfriend a thousand times better than me. I am not worthy of him. In any case, Grandma Ji, you don't need to worry about that."

"Oh, I still have to worry. That boy said he would even bring me a great-granddaughter. Is the Youyou you mentioned the child of the two of you?"

The word "child" caused Jiang Li’s composure to crack. Her eyes reddened, and she shook her head. "Grandma Ji, please don't ask anymore. Shall we discuss how I can establish a firm footing in the Jiang Group and how to do my job properly?"

Grandma Ji pinched Jiang Li’s cheek affectionately. "Oh, Little Li, you're shy. But Grandma Ji still hopes you can marry our Ji Han. After all, your grandfather and I loved each other for so many years, and it is a regret that I didn't marry him. We are still looking forward to the two of you having a happy ending."

"Ah? Does Grandma Ji mean you were my grandfather’s first love?"

Grandma Ji admitted it gracefully. "Why? Am I not good enough for your grandfather? He was truly excellent when he was young. Although he had to accept an arranged marriage and abandon me, I didn't do so badly myself. Later, my business became just as good as his, and now it is one of the few leaders in the provincial capital."

Hearing this, Jiang Li glanced secretly at her grandfather.

Her grandfather sighed, his face turning red. "We are all old now; let's not cause the children any trouble. Since we didn't end up together, we still hold concern for one another, and that is quite enough. After all, we are now friends despite our age difference."

Grandma Ji nodded. "True. At our age, being able to be friends is a stroke of fate. By the way, Little Li, Ji Han seems to have a major surgery he hasn't finished yet. He will come to see you in a few days."

Jiang Li nodded. "Understood, Grandma Ji. I will slowly digest what you have taught me and strive to become an excellent person."

Grandma Ji nodded. "You must remain composed. Also, use the resources at your disposal to obtain the information you need; don't waste your resources. There is even less need to waste time comparing yourself to irrelevant people."

"Your Grandma Ji is right. Grandfather also wants to give you a few reminders: fight for what you should fight for, and don't shrink back when you need to assert your status as the young lady of the family. Like that business deal you negotiated with Qin Mu—if you can make him turn around and follow your lead, then you have won."

Jiang Li nodded. "Grandfather, I understand. I left the proposal Qin Mu helped me with in your study. Assistant Lin and I will attend the auction on time this afternoon. In short, no matter what I do in the future, I will try to think thrice before acting, so as not to bring shame to you."

Hearing Jiang Li's words, the two elders nodded in approval. Xie Yun, seeing her daughter's transformation, was truly overjoyed.