Former Basic Councilor Yang Il-ok Publishes 'Human Leverage' on Networking Formation and Utilization

Yang Il-ok, a former basic council member of Gwangju Metropolitan City, has published "Human Leverage," which describes how to build and utilize networks as a solution to human relationships.

The author presents various methods of building and utilizing networks based on self-development in an increasingly individualized social environment and attempts to approach readers more familiarly through a unique oral narrative style.

Since the age of twenty, Yang lived abroad for over ten years in countries such as Japan and the United Kingdom. After returning to Korea, she engaged in volunteer work and ran an English education business for more than ten years. She also served as a council member of Buk-gu, Gwangju, for eight years.

She described the know-how she acquired through these diverse and multifaceted experiences in the book. Rather than theoretical human relationships, she aimed to provide a practical guide that anyone can use immediately in daily life to apply networking skills for growth in their work and relationships.

Chapter 1 explains that networks are not innate but created through effort and presents methods for accumulating network resources.

Chapter 2 discusses that human relationships may not fit from the start, but anyone can be made into "my people" by explaining the principles of human leverage for the beginning of human networking.

Chapter 3 introduces specific networking skills as the "secret to building powerful networks," and Chapter 4 reveals how to maximize the use of one’s existing networks by applying human leverage.

In particular, the book emphasizes that building networks is not to rely on others but to stand more firmly on one’s own. It classifies the process of forming human relationships into four stages: "observing and labeling -> forming empathy -> unlocking barriers -> nurturing."

The first stage, labeling, involves understanding the other person’s personality to block potential conflicts. In the second stage, forming empathy, rapport is built by first offering what the other person needs.

The third stage, unlocking barriers, builds mutual trust, and the fourth stage, nurturing, emphasizes sincere treatment of the other person and continuous effort.

Yang Il-ok said, “I hope this book becomes a source of hope for exploring new opportunities through human relationships and realizing one’s value,” adding, “I wish it to be a practical vision for applying directly to one’s life and pursuing a richer life.”

Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yuk-bong yjm3070@asiae.co.kr

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