[SSG nudge Leadership] 'Taking One More Step' Until the Back Disappears

-The Path of Seeing Off Guests, A Word Shared

Changwook Park, CEO of Korea Knowledge Association (Secretary General of Daewoo World Management Research Association)

[Asia Economy] When I said, "Goodbye. Please come in," they replied, "It's okay. You made a precious visit..." and came all the way down from the office on the 10th floor to the main entrance on the 1st floor to see me off. Moreover, they accompanied me to the subway station entrance about a minute away from the building and watched until I disappeared from sight. It was a subtle yet touching moment. On the way back, I remember making a silent vow to myself, thinking, 'I should do the same from now on.'

This happened around this time last year when I visited a company's office for a meeting and was leaving. When working, whenever moving from the first meeting to the next stage, I always visit the other party’s company in person. Visiting offices or factories on-site and receiving various forms of farewell greetings or see-offs become lessons for me.

Everyone shares the desire to live more beneficially and enjoyably through human relationships or business encounters. As behavioral guidelines for order in meetings and mutual respect, we learn and practice etiquette, manners, and courtesies. However, due to changes in living environments and the rapid development of devices we use, there are many confusing and awkward situations. Examples include subways, revolving doors, group meals, and limited movement in narrow airplanes. Another curiosity was about visiting and seeing off at high-rise building offices. The standards of behavior when visiting or seeing off by car were even more challenging. Amid such concerns, the experience mentioned earlier felt especially meaningful.

I looked into traditional Korean etiquette. In the late Joseon Dynasty, the practical scholar Lee Deok-mu (1741?1793) mentioned a similar situation in his etiquette book Sasojul (士小節). "When seeing off guests who came to your home, accompany them down to the floor below the porch and, if they are peers, stand up holding both hands and wait until they descend to the yard before sitting down. If the guest barely turns their body and has not yet left the door, but you sit down thinking they will not see you from there, it is an arrogant act." Words to remember well.

I wish to add one small consideration here. On the way to the entrance when seeing someone off from the meeting place, it would be nice to share a brief moment of heartfelt communication. Although short, leave a conversation or question that considers the other person. When the other feels awkward, just a simple "ssuk" (a soft gesture or word) can help. For example: "It's chilly; did you dress warmly? The nearby area tends to be congested, so drive carefully. Next time, I’ll treat you to a meal at a good restaurant. Please be sure to send my regards to the CEO. I hope to visit your company sometime too."

Though it may sound old-fashioned in this global era, considering that even transactions and human relationships are in ultra-competitive situations, I believe it is a standard for active behavior in terms of politeness and customer satisfaction. I think it would be good to learn and habituate excessive etiquette or considerate manners. Especially if high-ranking officials, seniors, or elders lead by example, it would set a good model.

A few days ago, a junior in his late 30s came to my office with news of his wedding. He is a distant military junior and also a trainee from the Global Young Businessman (GYBM) training program. He is a trainee whom I supported for overseas employment in Southeast Asia. After finishing our conversation, I accompanied him to the elevator and exchanged farewells with my eyes until the doors closed. Although his awkward expression was evident and I did not go down to the 1st floor, I saw a thank-you text message shortly after, so it seemed to have been okay. That made me decide to practice one more thing in my heart. I thought I should do the same for my daughter or son-in-law when they visit home. Although my home is on the 17th floor of an apartment, when seeing them off, I will go down to the 1st floor and wave my hand until they leave the parking lot by car.

Park Chang-wook, CEO of Korea Knowledge Leader Association (Secretary General of Daewoo World Management Research Association)

◆ What is 'Nudge Leadership'?

- 'Nudge Leadership' is not about coercive or directive oppressive methods but about leading organizational or personal change through small and gentle interventions or motivation. It also means improving human relationships through small changes in oneself and transforming into someone others want to follow. Ultimately, it breathes creativity and passion into organizations or relationships, creating new value and happiness.