Agricultural University Fertilizer Industry Reserve Cadre Book‑Sharing Session: Sparking Intellectual Exchange and Enhancing Management Competence

(This report by Ren Shuli) In order to build a learning‑oriented organization, enhance employees’ personal development, and cultivate a pool of high‑caliber managerial talent for the company’s future growth, on August 27, the Human Resources Department of Nongda Fertilizer Industry hosted the first session of its Reserve Cadre Book‑Sharing Meeting in the company’s second‑floor marketing conference room. Participants engaged in a lively exchange, sharing their insights from studying the classic masterpiece “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

The sharing session kicked off with an experiential team‑building activity—Tangram puzzles—dividing the reserve cadres into seven groups, each simulating a different business unit or department. Through collaborative completion of a series of complex tasks, participants explored key management themes such as communication, teamwork, information sharing, resource allocation, leadership styles, and evidence‑based decision‑making. Over the course of one hour, they gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of goal decomposition, interdepartmental communication, and organizational coordination in everyday work, while also gaining a more profound understanding of the effectiveness of principles like “Begin with the End in Mind,” “Win–Win Thinking,” and “Synergy” from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Following the activity, each of the seven groups shared their reflections and insights on the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Participants unanimously agreed that book‑sharing sessions are an excellent way to learn and engage in dialogue. By exchanging diverse perspectives and ideas, they were able to gain deeper insights and a more nuanced understanding of the concepts presented in the books. All attendees expressed their hope that such events would continue, encouraging everyone to take time to reflect, read more, and choose quality works.

According to reports, as the first recommended reading for the inaugural cohort of reserve managers at Nongda Fertilizer, the company’s general manager, Ma Xuewen, and its senior executives chose “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” because they recognize that “the success of any endeavor hinges on the skillful and confident application of principles—principles that are indispensable to achieving excellence.” A qualified reserve manager not only needs personal growth but also must lead their team toward outstanding performance. The seven habits outlined in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” represent the fundamental principles that enable individuals and organizations to ultimately achieve excellence and ensure lasting success.