[One Sip of a Book] Survival Story of a Rookie Team Leader Born in ’92: “I’m an Awkward but Easygoing Team Leader”

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly resonate with the reader’s heart, creating a connection with the book. Here, we introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor’s note

The author is a rookie team leader born in 1992 working at a startup. Having started as a one-man team just two years after joining, they have now become the leader of a team consisting of six members. How did the author endure the weight of the crown called team leader, responsible for overseeing team members’ tasks, providing feedback, and taking full responsibility for the team’s results? This book candidly contains the worries, concerns, and ambitions for growth that come with being a novice team leader.

In an era where eating alone and drinking alone have become trends, many people voluntarily prefer solo meals, and I am not someone who fears eating alone either. However, perhaps because I really enjoy socializing with people and believe that lunchtime is the time to chat and relieve stress with colleagues, when I unexpectedly find myself left alone, I suddenly feel like a seven-year-old child, overwhelmed with sadness. At the same time, I reflect on my usual behavior that might have contributed to being left alone, resulting in a complex emotional state. “Am I such a burdensome and uncomfortable person that others hesitate to eat with me?” I sometimes feel a bit hurt like a strict senior toward my team members, but when I do have lunch with them, I realize that I have rarely been the one to first suggest eating together because I feel the pressure to rush to the counter and pay the bill. That hurt soon turns into apology.

_From “Team members go to lunch without me”_

Having kept a diary for over ten years, I thought I had a stronger-than-average mental toughness. But since becoming a team leader, I’ve come to realize that managing my mental health well is truly important. There are definitely things I did well and things I lacked each day. I must also record and recall the small happy moments within those days. If I only focus on my shortcomings and tear myself down throughout the day, a better tomorrow will not come, nor will my growth. Even if the current situation is tough and frustrating, I must keep striving for the day when my growth curve takes the next leap forward.

_From “The weight of the crown called team leader”_

I wondered if I really needed to suppress my personality and control myself like this, but I ultimately believe that every small tone, message, and action of mine in every moment combines to form my personal branding at work. And if that branding becomes solid, it will actually help my drive and communication as a team leader. That said, I don’t think it’s necessary to be serious and solemn in every situation. When talking about personal matters, joking around and showing a human side can make the moments when I communicate clearly and seriously about work stand out even more, making my message stronger through that sharp contrast.

_From “The desirable appearance of a team leader”_

A Clumsy but Easygoing Team Leader | Written by An Jaeseon (Jaeswon) | Pajit | 168 pages | 14,800 KRW

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