[One Thousand Characters a Day] Chairman Kim Ung-gi's 'The World Is My Treasure Island' <4>

Editor's NoteHaving all employees possess high loyalty to the company and perform their assigned roles and duties well is the ideal that any manager desires. Loyalty is the voluntary dedication and immersion to achieve better results and superior performance. At its core lies a heart that cherishes and loves the company, along with a desire to enhance the completeness of one's work and pursue excellence. However, loyalty does not arise spontaneously. Kim Ung-gi, Chairman of Global SeAH Group, says, "Like tending a garden, you must constantly instill belief in the company's growth and development in employees, show them a vision for the future, and keep the flame of passion alive." Word count: 1025 characters.

It is hard to find a stronger bond than the heart that connects people. When a boss who recognizes and respects you stands with you, employees willingly endure any hardship. They are loyal to a boss who always considers them first. Therefore, if I and the employees form a bond of solidarity in our hearts, it was certain that SeAH Sangyuk would grow into a stronger company. The problem was how to do that.

The method I found was to become a leader who values employees and embraces them like family. It is human nature to open one’s heart to those who cherish and respect them. I have always liked people and valued relationships, but from then on, I began to devote more heart and affection to the employees. I always took on the difficult and tough tasks first. A unique culture began to form where the younger and lower-ranked employees found company life more comfortable. If even one employee working outside the office had not left for the day, I would not leave either. The long and difficult external tasks were always my responsibility. If I was absent, the person ranked below me would take on the hard and challenging work in my place.

When I first stepped into the textile industry, it was already one of the low-wage industries in decline. I promised myself that once SeAH Sangyuk reached a stable trajectory, I would provide employees with the best treatment in the industry. And I did my best to keep that promise. In fact, today SeAH Sangyuk’s salaries are among the highest in the industry. This is evident when comparing the starting salaries of new employees with other companies. As the company entered a full growth phase, we have steadily raised the salaries of executives and employees.

(Omitted)

There is something more important to employees than salary or bonuses. If a company mentally exhausts its employees, treats them like tools and overworks them, and is indifferent to their future through education and welfare, no matter how high the salary and incentives are, employees will not give their hearts to the company. They will leave the company as soon as they get the chance. Even if they work reluctantly, there will be no results. Can a company where employees just waste time at the workplace truly develop, grow, and plan for the future?

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

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