[One Thousand Characters a Day] Chairman Kim Ung-gi's 'The World Is My Treasure Island' <3>

Editor's NoteHow should managers and organizations prepare for the future? Management is about setting a vision for the future and striving to realize it. Moreover, this vision must be shared with all employees. Kim Ung-gi, Chairman of Global SeAH Group, says, "Sharing a vision means respecting employees' opinions, discussing together, and walking alongside them." He has always managed the company with this mindset. He instilled a vision of growth and development in employees and boosted their pride with industry-leading rewards. According to Chairman Kim, the credit for achieving goals belongs to the employees, but the ultimate responsibility for failure lies with the manager. Word count: 914 characters.

There are two types of leaders. The first type is a leader who makes decisions independently, and the second is a leader who listens to the opinions of team members before deciding. I belong to the second type. When important decisions need to be made, I first convene a meeting with executives or relevant parties. Everyone present presents their opinions, listens to each other, engages in thorough discussion, and then we reach a consensus to make a decision. My opinion is just one among many, like the others. Often, my opinion is not adopted.

The culture of presenting opinions, listening to others, and engaging in active discussions to find the best answer has been a tradition unique to our company since its founding. I believe this is the driving force behind today's SeAH Sangyuk. A decision that is not reached through active discussion and consensus cannot be considered the best decision.

When opinions are presented, listened to, and discussed, the problem-solving skills, discussion abilities, and listening attitudes of each participant become apparent. Through these meetings, I judge who possesses the qualities of a leader. I dislike authoritarian people. However, surprisingly many leaders are self-centered. These leaders decide everything according to their own thoughts. When such leaders manage a company, the probability of failure is high. I have seen many such cases.

While reaching a good conclusion is important, the discussion process itself has its benefits. In the process of expressing one’s opinion, listening to others, and coordinating, members develop a sense of participation and responsibility. This sense of participation deepens their engagement in work and amplifies the sense of accomplishment when good results are achieved. Under a leader who makes decisions unilaterally and only gives orders, good talent cannot grow. A leader who discovers and nurtures hidden abilities of members is the one who advances the organization. Who would work enthusiastically in a place where there is no opportunity to demonstrate even a small or large ability? Good talents eventually leave.

- Kim Ung-gi, The World is My Treasure Island, Sam & Parkers, 19,800 KRW

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