[One Thousand Characters a Day] The 1% Difference That Moves People <5>

Editor's NoteThe biggest concern for leaders is 'people.' One person can jeopardize the entire organization, or one person can help the entire organization grow. Most of a leader's tasks involve 'people,' such as appropriately dividing work, selecting talent suited for each position, and increasing productivity through motivation. ＜The 1% Difference That Moves People＞ is a book about people-centered leadership?recognizing talent, working with them, and growing together. It also covers how to improve organizational culture as a leader by resolving generational and internal conflicts and establishing appropriate reward systems. Word count: 998.

The MZ generation prioritizes the value of fairness. Does that mean the older generation dislikes fairness? Not at all. Even now, over the age of 60, I boil inside when things are unfair. However, there is a stark difference in how the two generations react when fairness within an organization is compromised.

In the older generation, patience was considered a virtue, so most responses were passive?enduring quietly, running to the labor union, or resigning quietly by writing "personal reasons" on the resignation letter with the saying "if you don't like the temple, the monk must leave." Even now, this generation finds it difficult and unfamiliar to express their opinions.

However, the MZ generation does not hesitate to express their thoughts. When personal values clash with organizational values or unfair cases occur, they immediately express themselves. If their demands are not met, they organize and attempt to participate in management, and if that fails, they find relief by posting on anonymous sites. They are a generation of 'active expression.'

Why does this difference arise? The MZ generation has many options. Within the company, legal systems like the Workplace Harassment Prevention Act and various indicators such as ESG protect them. Outside the workplace, there are many employment opportunities. Social safety nets like unemployment insurance and reemployment support are well established. There are also places like Blind where they can speak anonymously.

(Omitted)

I once read a column about Northern European office workers who must express their opinions when they arrive at work. Their organizational culture asks, "Why bother coming to work if you don't express your opinions?" Warren Bennis, known as the dean of leadership, also said, "Leadership is the sum of complete self-expression." The MZ generation is leading themselves and their organizations in the right direction, surpassing the older generation.

The MZ generation's "expression and execution of their thoughts" is influencing the older generation. Fortunately, the older generation, who used to grumble and gossip behind the scenes without expressing themselves, are now receiving reverse coaching and learning "it's okay to do it that way." Organizations are continuously evolving this way. This is purely the contribution of the MZ generation.

- Baek Jin-gi, ＜The 1% Difference That Moves People＞, Mirae Books, 18,000 KRW

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