Yukinoshita's Correction Method
As Dong Yunshan predicted, the current problems of the operations committee are not due to the conflict between the sports meet and club activities, or the lack of enthusiasm among the on-site team.
It's not a structural problem at all.
There was a clear split between the decision-making group responsible for planning and the on-site group responsible for execution.
For the decision-making group's plans to be realized, they can only allocate manpower to lead the execution work, or even, like Yui Yuigahama, plan and execute them themselves.
The decision-making group assigns tasks, the on-site team fails to complete them, the decision-making group completes them themselves, the on-site team thinks it doesn't matter if they don't complete them, the decision-making group assigns tasks, the on-site team fails to complete them... This vicious cycle continues, and it only takes one opportunity for the division to turn into conflict.
For example, the absence of a consultant.
"Next..." Even Minami Sagami sensed the unusual atmosphere, "It's the final competition..."
"The movement plan for the men's competition has been finalized," Dong Yunshan replied, standing up. "The captain has been chosen; Hayato Hayama has agreed and will be communicating with the Red Team captain. Regarding the women's final match..."
Dong Yunshan had barely started when he heard a loud commotion.
At the center of the noise, several girls huddled in a circle, whispering amongst themselves.
Then, one of them raised his hand; it was Yao from the basketball club.
"What's the problem?" Dong Yunshan asked with a friendly smile. "Please feel free to speak your mind."
"Um... it's called 'riding horses to fight,' right?" Yao stammered, glancing at her classmates beside her to confirm what she should say. "Regarding this, we..."
Komachi Hikigaya frowned, Yui Yuigahama sighed almost imperceptibly.
If the other party is so hesitant, it means that what they are about to say is not something good.
And that is indeed the case.
"Um, we're wondering if fighting on horseback is a bit dangerous?" Seeing the support in the reactions of those around her, Yao finished in one breath, "Because some clubs are going to participate in competitions soon, so we don't really want to participate in... activities that could lead to injury."
really.
Dong Yunshan narrowed her eyes slightly, and the smile on her lips became even more pronounced.
Horseback warfare is a unique team combat activity that requires three students to form a horse and a fourth person to be the rider. The two sides pull and push each other to pull the other rider off their horse.
Because of the intensity of the physical conflict, accidents such as falls and trampling can easily occur.
"Why..." Minami Sagami suddenly stood up, the chair slamming open as her legs pushed it aside. "Why are you suddenly saying things like that!"
"Actually, we've been thinking about this for a while..." He met Minami Sagami's glare from afar.
Jie muttered, "... We also have club activities."
"But..." Minami Sagami pressed her lower lip tightly, "This was decided long ago..."
Yao and Jie looked around, then exchanged a glance, before speaking one after the other.
Even if something has already been decided, if it's wrong, it's wrong, and it should be corrected quickly.
"It seems like it's best to reconsider."
Minami Sagami's face was pale, and her voice trembled. "But at a time like this..."
"Fighting on horseback is very dangerous..." A soft voice fell like a drop of water, rippling through the conference room and sparking a discussion.
"The match is just around the corner..."
"I really didn't have time to prepare an outfit."
"If someone gets injured, who will be responsible?"
"That's right, that's right..."
A round of crisp applause rang out, drawing everyone's attention. "Everyone, please be quiet. We've already considered the appropriate countermeasures— Yukinoshita, could you please explain?"
Yukino Yukinoshita silently got up, walked to the whiteboard, and began writing and explaining, "First, we will establish a first aid team and cooperate with the local fire department. Next, we will implement the competition rules and establish a system of penalties for violations to strengthen the supervision mechanism—of course, personnel costs will also increase accordingly."
The explanation of Yukino Yukinoshita, as always, concise, clear, and well-organized.
The members of the on-site team whispered among themselves.
"What to do?"
"Hmm, if that's the case..."
"But what if..."
"Yeah, yeah~"
The group exchanged opinions, or rather, they were determining each other's thoughts, judging whether they belonged to the majority or the minority, and ultimately becoming one of the majority.
In the end, almost all eyes were on Haruka and Yui.
"But... but..." Yui trembled slightly, avoiding Yukino Yukinoshita's icy gaze, while occasionally stealing a glance. "There's no way to guarantee... that I won't get hurt..."
Yukino Yukinoshita looked at her expressionlessly, her gaze calm yet cold.
The sound of the knot grew fainter and fainter, but it never stopped, muttering something indistinctly.
The atmosphere in the meeting room gradually became tense, like a bowstring being drawn back to its full strength.
Suddenly, he spoke up, "It's almost time."
"Well, we've got a solution." Yui Yuigahama gently tugged at Yukino Yukinoshita's sleeve. "Let's call it a day."
"Very well." Yukino Yukinoshita lowered her eyelids slightly. "To further improve reliability, we need to refine our countermeasures."
"Well then, let's call it a day," Meguri Shiromeguri said casually. "Thank you all for your hard work~"
The crowd dispersed, and the meeting fell silent once more.
"Then," the Meguri Shiromeguri sighed, "What should we do...?"
Yui Yuigahama crossed her arms, trying to appear deep in thought, perhaps hoping to spark her inspiration. However, despite twisting and changing her posture, she made no progress. "I don't think there's a better method than Little Yukino's suggestion."
"Modularization," Saki Kawasaki suddenly spoke up. "Breaking down clothing into several smaller parts and manufacturing them on a production line can greatly improve efficiency."
"That's a great idea!" Komachi Hikigaya exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight, but then she quickly realized something. "But even with a good method... it doesn't seem like it can solve the current problem."
Minami Sagami suddenly stopped what she was doing and muttered to herself, "Should I quit my job...?"
"... Yes." Yui Yuigahama spoke up in the quiet conference room, "It's okay if you resign, we'll figure something out."
Yukino Yukinoshita had said something similar, but at this moment, Yui Yuigahama was showing more concern for Minami Sagami.
Chapter 495 Coercive Power
Minami Sagami seemed to sense her concern and gave a helpless smile, "... Indeed."
"Although the situation is troublesome now, it doesn't mean there won't be a chance in the future," Yui Yuigahama added somewhat flusteredly, then her voice weakened, "I think they will understand someday..."
She herself wasn't very confident about her last sentence.
"...Hmm." Minami Sagami nodded weakly.
After nodding one last time, he no longer had the strength to lift himself up.
She has given up.
In the heavy atmosphere, a soft laugh sounded particularly jarring.
Dong Yunshan's lips curled into a smile, her fingers deftly moving the pen between her fingers. "You actually believe that?"
"I..." Minami Sagami raised her head, looking puzzled and exhausted.
"Someday..." Yukino Yukinoshita's voice was icy, "That day may never come."
"I know..." Minami Sagami bit her lower lip tightly, "I simply don't..."
"Ahem." Meguri Shiromeguri cleared his throat and slowly began, "I think Sagami did a very good job."
"Huh?" Minami Sagami was clearly startled.
The others also looked surprised.
This includes the usually calm Yukino Yukinoshita.
The reason is simple: anyone who has seen what Minami Sagami has done so far cannot conclude that she has done a "very good job".
Seeing everyone's blunt reaction, Meguri Shiromeguri was a little flustered and hurriedly added, "Ah, well... although her methods are indeed not very clever... but, since I'm not a very capable person either, I know very well that Sagami is trying."
That's quite a tactful way of putting it.
"The seniors before me were all so outstanding, like Senior Haruno Yukinoshita ... Compared to those excellent people, I realize how ordinary I am, even just being ordinary is a stretch. People often say I'm a bit muddle-headed, and it's true." Meguri Shiromeguri smiled sheepishly, his gentle gaze sweeping over the empty corner of the meeting room. "Without everyone in the Student Council, I wouldn't be able to get even one thing done."
Sobs could be heard from the shadows in the corner; several student leaders had tears welling in their eyes—tears of relief and emotion.
Were there always this many people there?
"Growing up is about making peace with yourself, seeing more outstanding people, and accepting your own ordinariness. But, ordinary people helping each other and working together can also achieve the results they want." Meguri Shiromeguri looked at Minami Sagami, "I've seen your efforts—so, having worked so hard until now, wouldn't you like to give it another try?"
Gentle and considerate, it's no wonder that the Student Council officers adore Meguri Shiromeguri so much.
Minami Sagami's expression was complicated; this was probably the first time she had received recognition from others since the Cultural Festival.
With the blessing of the Meguri Shiromeguri's energy, Minami Sagami nodded slightly.
Meguri Shiromeguri's gaze softened. "Then let's work together to figure out a solution. Everyone will help."
"Um..." Dong Yunshan raised her hand, "I need to confess, I came here with a gloating attitude from the start."
"Huh?" Meguri Shiromeguri looked at Dong Yunshan in astonishment.
Yukino Yukinoshita pressed her temples as if she had a headache and sighed softly.
Komachi Hikigaya paused for a moment, then a hint of realization flashed in her eyes.
Yui Yuigahama was completely bewildered. "Yunshan?"
"With a large number of staff absent and a severe shortage of manpower, the work is difficult to carry out..." Dong Yunshan tapped his temples with two fingers together. "Doesn't this situation seem familiar?"
Minami Sagami trembled, then lowered her head deeply.
"Back then, Yukino the committee chairperson, and now you're the president," Dong Yunshan sneered. "Do you now understand the hardships she endured back then?"
Minami Sagami gripped the hem of her skirt, took a deep breath, and then abruptly raised her head, meeting Yukino Yukinoshita's gaze for the first time without any hesitation.
"I'm sorry..." Minami Sagami bowed deeply. "I'm really... so sorry..."
"I never took it to heart." Yukino Yukinoshita sighed softly. "You were just dragged into this."
"This matter is quite troublesome to handle, after all, we don't have much interaction, and I wouldn't have the opportunity to retaliate. So I fully support your appointment as president this time, because you lack the ability, and once you take the position, you will inevitably experience the difficulties." Dong Yunshan paused, "However, this is just my opinion. Yukino simply wants to resolve the request, and I hope you don't misunderstand."
"I didn't misunderstand." After actually starting to do things, Minami Sagami had a clearer understanding of the gap between herself and Yukino Yukinoshita. "She had no reason to lie to me."
"Revenge successful. Now let's continue discussing the operations committee's issues." Dong Yunshan clapped her hands and moved on to the next topic, "The main problem right now is the decision-making group... or rather, the problem of you, as the chairman, being unable to command them."
"...That's right." Minami Sagami straightened her hair, using the gesture to discreetly wipe the corner of her eye. "Can you tell me your thoughts?"
Minami Sagami had personally witnessed Dong Yunshan rebuild the nearly collapsed committee, and she believed that Dong Yunshan would have a solution.
"My thoughts... mainly stem from the feeling that the on-site team's methods are too immature." Dong Yunshan twitched the corner of his mouth. "Taking on a task and not doing it will only give others ammunition to criticize you. A better approach is to follow instructions, do whatever the leader says, and then constantly ask for instructions on various issues so the leader can make decisions, and propose various plans for the leader to choose from—you can drive the leader crazy in three days, and at the same time, you can appear to be doing your job diligently."
Minami Sagami only had to imagine it for a moment before she felt a chill run down her spine.
A sense of relief also arose.
Fortunately, Dong Yunshan only wanted her to experience what Yukino Yukinoshita had experienced, rather than actually causing trouble with the on-site crew.
Yukino Yukinoshita glanced sideways at Dong Yunshan: "Coercive power?"
"Huh?" Yui Yuigahama looked left and right. "What?"
Saki Kawasaki lazily reminded him, "Say something that people other than you can understand."
"The social power theory within the sociological exchange theory school." Yukino Yukinoshita picked up a whiteboard marker. "To solve the current problem, we need to give the decision-making group power. Power can be categorized into different types based on the nature of the resources used and the way they are exercised. One of these is coercive power, which influences others based on the fear of consequences."
Minami Sagami stared blankly at Dong Yunshan.
After hearing Dong Yunshan describe the specific methods, she was indeed afraid that Dong Yunshan would actually use those methods against her.
From this perspective, Dong Yunshan possessed a certain degree of coercive power over her.
If Minami Sagami could obtain coercive power through a similar means, the current problems would naturally be solved.
Chapter 496 The Basis of Power
"Coercive power..." Meguri Shiromeguri frowned slightly. "Hmm...it might incite a rebellious attitude. There must be other types of power, right?"
"Yes, senior, yes." Dong Yunshan turned to look at her, "Like you, someone who wields referential power based on personal charm to influence others."
"Charm?!" Meguri Shiromeguri's cheeks flushed. "It was all thanks to everyone's help... I don't have any charm at all."