[Viewpoint] Want to Change? Use Your Brain, Hands, and Feet

Not long ago, I had a conversation with someone who attends many lectures and seminars. They were very dedicated to self-development. However, they loved the lectures themselves more than actually putting what they learned into practice. If there was a good lecture, they would follow it anywhere.

There are two types of self-development lectures and seminars encountered in professional life. One is a lecture to acquire knowledge and understand different perspectives, and the other is a lecture that actually changes behavior or life.

The former can be addressed by watching YouTube or listening to a speaker in a classroom. But the latter is not the same.

I once heard a story from a professor. A major domestic company invited a famous European management scholar to redefine the company's direction. However, the scholar’s schedule was fully booked, and he refused to stay long. So, he agreed to give an 8-hour lecture only.

The lecture fee was reportedly very high. The company wanted to get their money’s worth by involving as many employees as possible. But the scholar set a condition to allow only 30 participants. Moreover, he requested that no executives or higher attend, and that recording the lecture was prohibited.

The company was in a difficult position but had no choice. They selected the 30 smartest employees and instructed them to "take notes without leaving out a single word and later conduct training sessions."

The scholar came from abroad and finished the day-long lecture. The executives called the attending employees afterward and asked for their lecture notes. Interestingly, the notes contained very little content.

What happened? The scholar did not deliver a one-sided lecture. Instead, he continuously asked the participants questions and listened to their answers. Questions like, "What is your company striving for?" and "What are you doing in your position to achieve that?" were asked.

The employees who attended were led to think very deeply, something they had never done before. However, there was little to write down. Yet, those employees experienced significant changes afterward.

In fact, we really like lectures. Many companies and institutions regularly invite famous speakers. But interestingly, after enjoying an hour or two of a lecture, many people return to their previous state unchanged.

Why is that? Because they do not use their brains. They do not think for themselves. They passively receive information as if watching TV. For change to happen, one must use their own thinking and take action. It is like learning to swim. Listening to a great instructor’s swimming lecture does not make you able to swim. You have to get into the water and use your brain, hands, and feet.

To change, we must use our brains and our hands and feet. Also, finding those who help you do this is far more effective than just listening to a famous instructor’s lecture and laughing or crying.

Shin Sujeong, Head of KT Enterprise Division

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.