[A Sip of a Book] Elegant Brothers' Soft and Flexible Thinking Method

Editor's NoteSome sentences encapsulate the entire content of a book, while others instantly resonate with the reader’s heart, creating a connection with the book. We excerpt and introduce such meaningful sentences from books.

This is a book by Han Myeong-su, CCO (Chief Creative Officer), who has been responsible not only for the Baedal Minjok service but also for the development of Korean fonts and the improvement of Woowa Brothers’ organizational culture. It introduces what creativity that helps with making a living really means. Breaking the norm of ‘as usual’ and having worked for a long time, he includes multifaceted examples ranging from how to get new ideas to how to bring cheerfulness and joy into the workplace.

When working with someone on something, the first thing you must do is check and define what the words you use mean. There are moments when you realize that although you are using the same words, you are actually talking about completely different things. For example, one person suggests, “Let’s improve customer experience.” Another person replies, “Yes, I will do my best to increase customer experience.” But sometimes, the thoughts in the minds of the proposer and the responder are entirely different. The more abstract or conceptual the language, the greater the difference in thought. When speaking, it is important to define and confirm the meaning of the words. _〈What is Definition〉, pp. 37?38

Going through the process of organizing the words and concepts we always use into another language brings the joy of awakening perception. Especially, forcibly creating antonyms is a precious digging or pickax work that probes the essence. When asked what the opposite of ‘happiness’ is, most answer ‘unhappiness,’ but some express their own thoughts, saying ‘loneliness.’ At such times, happiness feels like it is buried in a grave but suddenly rises and wriggles. _〈What is the Opposite Word?〉, p. 53

The first step is to be curious and ask questions. The second step is to do what you love. You cannot do something you don’t like for a long time. You have to do it for a long time to become an expert. Thoughts that come from deep training and thinking lead to innovation. The third step is to experience fields unrelated to yourself. It means ‘Don’t be a frog in a well.’ The fourth step is to try spacing out. Creativity does not grow by forcing yourself to do something. It means ‘Play well or rest well.’ The fifth step is a very philosophical story and a difficult task that goes against human nature: not fearing failure and taking risks. _〈How to Develop Creativity〉, p. 110

Who originally created and designed an organization where you must constantly hide your weaknesses and defend yourself against others, and why is the software that continuously produces such an organizational atmosphere so difficult to change at once? (…) For the mental software of an organization to be continuously and healthily updated, there must be essential codes included in the initial blueprint. ‘There must be someone nearby who can freely say things the leader doesn’t want to hear.’ ‘There must be a channel open to talk with the leader.’ ‘People who present opposing opinions to the leader must not be damaged.’ Especially, promises that guarantee safety must be included. If the leader has the level to make such a brave design, the future of that organization will already be pure. _〈Structure of Organizational Culture〉, pp. 135?137

Soft and Flexible Thinking | Written by Han Myeong-su | Gimm-Young Publishers | 268 pages | 16,800 KRW

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