Choi Tae-won to New Employees: "Don't Worry About Others When Sharing Opinions"

On the 10th, a Conversation with the Chairman of SK Group

Chairman Chey Tae-won of SK Group. Photo by Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry [Image source=Yonhap News]

Choi Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, met with new employees and advised them "not to worry about others' opinions when expressing their own ideas." Chairman Choi encouraged the new employees to focus on 'good ideas' rather than being concerned about others' reactions.

On the 10th, Chairman Choi held a 'Conversation with the Chairman' with SK Group's new employees who joined this year at SK T Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul. The Conversation with the Chairman event was first initiated in 1979 by the late Chairman Choi Jong-hyun. It is an occasion where top executives directly explain the group's management philosophy and vision to new members.

At this event, the main interest of the new employees was artificial intelligence (AI). The new employees conducted a real-time survey and discussion on the topic "Can AI become a member of SK?" Those in favor argued that AI could become a member if it could pursue happiness through self-development, while those opposed countered that AI is merely a tool and cannot be a decision-maker based on responsibility. As a result, the approval rating, which was evenly split at 49% to 50% before the discussion, shifted to 34% in favor and 65% opposed after the debate.

After listening to the new employees' discussion, Chairman Choi advised, "Before debating whether AI can become a member or not, it would be better to first consider 'what benefits AI would bring to us if it became a member.'" He urged active utilization of AI for problem-solving.

Regarding a hypothetical business model presented by the new employees, he emphasized, "It is difficult to know everything by just thinking in your head; once you try it, the direction may change and it evolves. You need to start rather than just think."

When asked about the conditions for a good report, Chairman Choi replied, "It needs to include what actions will be taken if things do not go as planned. Such scenarios enable discussions and better decisions." Finally, he stressed the importance of the ability to define and solve problems beyond just doing assigned tasks. "People who cannot define problems have no way to work unless instructed," he said, urging the cultivation of critical thinking skills. He also encouraged new employees to express joy rather than feel burdened and to share happiness with their colleagues.

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