New Year Kickoff – Part 2 | Only by being earnest and pragmatic can we strive for excellence.

In 2020, thanks to the concerted efforts and unwavering dedication of all employees, the company achieved growth against the odds, with every key performance indicator reaching new record highs. In 2021, despite a still-challenging environment and immense pressure, how can Nongda Fertilizer capitalize on this favorable momentum to deliver even greater breakthroughs? And how can every member of the Nongda Fertilizer team rise to the occasion and realize their full potential? At the New Year gathering, Chairman Ma Xuewen set an even higher standard: relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Work with dedication and strive for excellence” is an integral part of our corporate culture and one of the guiding principles for all employees. To achieve continuous improvement, a conscientious and pragmatic approach must be our top priority. Specifically, we need to adhere to the following key points:

First, the state of mind and sense of responsibility embodied in “I will set aside myself and live up to my duties.”

What is “selflessness”? It is a state of mind, a broad perspective, and an open heart. As a member of the company, to dedicate oneself to its growth within the bounds of reason and the law—that is true selflessness.

What does “having me” mean? It means taking responsibility, fulfilling one’s duties, and embracing one’s mission. When the company is thriving, we do our jobs well—“having me.” When the company faces adversity, we step forward boldly to help the enterprise overcome challenges and resolve problems—“having me.”

Only by cultivating a sense of “no self” can one truly embody “self”; only by letting go of the “small self” can one realize the “greater self.” Once this is understood, one can approach problems from the company’s perspective, striving for the “common good” that ensures the organization’s rapid and sustainable growth—rather than merely pursuing the “private interests” of one’s department or oneself.

Second, the tenacity and determination to “get to the root of the problem and eradicate it once and for all.”

Helping the company resolve issues that arise in production and operations is every employee’s core responsibility, the very foundation of their continued employment, and a clear demonstration of their commitment to pragmatism and diligent action. When faced with problems, adopting attitudes like “better to be a little oblivious,” “it’s none of my business—let it slide,” or “the less trouble, the better” ultimately harms the company, stifling its further growth, while also holding individuals back: their professional skills fail to improve, and opportunities for career advancement remain out of reach.

When confronted with challenges, only by daring to face them, thinking deeply, and getting to the root of the issue can we address problems at their core. For example, if sales personnel submit a demand for 2,000 tons but only 500 tons are ultimately delivered, is it because orders have declined, or because production cannot keep up? Why have orders fallen? Why can’t production meet the demand? And who bought that missing 1,500 tons—was it sold by the distributor? Will we still have a share of those 500 tons next year? Another case: when a product encounters issues in the market, we must carefully assess whether the problem lies with manufacturing or with R&D. If a mature product cannot be produced, the responsibility rests with production; if an immature product fails to meet expectations, the fault lies with R&D. In such instances, the product should not be handed over to production, nor should it be launched into the market.

To solve problems by getting to the root of the issue, we must vigorously strengthen organizational development and coordination, ensuring that every matter is assigned to a responsible party and that everyone has clear responsibilities, while also establishing a sound framework that clearly defines decision-makers and sets specific deadlines for completion.

Third, the drive and courage to “not make excuses, but only seek solutions”

Xunzi said: “Though the Way may be near, it cannot be reached without walking; though the task may be small, it cannot be accomplished without doing.” General Secretary Xi Jinping has stated, “Empty talk harms the country, while practical action strengthens it.” In the military, it is emphasized that a soldier’s sacred duty is to obey orders. And in management theory, execution is the key to an enterprise’s success or failure. All of these principles call upon us to “not seek excuses for failure, but to devise ways to achieve success.”

The recklessness of “knowing there are tigers in the mountains yet still marching straight into the tiger’s lair” is certainly not advisable, but that kind of courage to face hardship and the drive to forge ahead are precisely what each of us should embrace. It’s no easy task to recruit workers, yet we’ve managed to hire enough to keep our workshops running—shouldn’t that be commended? With pandemic‑induced disruptions to logistics and transportation, we’ve nonetheless found sensible solutions that ensured the timely flow of supplies—shouldn’t that be a source of pride?

“Don’t make excuses for failure; instead, seek solutions for success.” To resolve corporate challenges and drive business growth, we must adopt a relentless, offensive mindset—always on the move.

We are confident that, as long as we work together with diligence and pragmatism, devote ourselves wholeheartedly, act selflessly and without regard for personal gain, pursue solutions to the root of problems, and implement every measure to the letter, we will surely achieve continuous improvement, overcome countless obstacles to make groundbreaking progress, and reach new heights, bringing joy to all.