[Opinion] The Entropy Law That Controls Organizations

Employees Draining Leader's Energy
Organization Collapsing Due to Arbitrary Actions and Lies
Seeking Team Members Emitting Positive Energy

Not long ago, a venture CEO asked, "What kind of people should I avoid hiring?" It is a very vague and broad question. The correct answer is, "Do not hire people who do not align with the company's values," but I added this: "Think of employees who drain your energy and write down their common traits."

Previously, another CEO asked a similar question: "What kind of team members can stay with me for a long time?" I replied, "Those are the people who don’t consume much of your energy."

In fact, people who fit well do not drain the leader’s energy much. They act proactively. When given instructions, they deliver results slightly ahead of the leader’s deadline, and if the leader is anxious, they appropriately communicate progress updates. They handle their tasks neatly and lead their assigned teams well, so the leader has little to worry about.

On the other hand, mismatched members consume a lot of the leader’s energy. For example, they are arbitrary and act on their own whims. They lack ability but slander others behind their backs or shake the organization with negative talk. They form cliques and create sub-organizations. They frequently break promises with the leader and lie. They fail to handle their tasks properly, causing the leader to constantly worry and feel uneasy.

Members who consume even more energy are those whose emotions the leader must also manage or even feel threatened by. It is difficult if their emotions are erratic and the leader has to absorb them. Even if they are capable, if they show signs of leaving anytime because they are displeased, it causes the leader to be constantly concerned and cautious, which is not good.

If you, the reader, are a leader, think about who you are spending excessive energy on. Surprisingly, a small number of people often occupy most of your psychological space, draining your energy. Find ways to reduce that energy drain. Then you can accomplish more and improve teamwork. Of course, if there are superiors, colleagues, or members who seem to drain your energy due to diversity or healthy conflicts of opinion, welcome them. Over time, they will help you grow and are people you should get closer to.

If you, the reader, are a team member, it is best not to drain the leader’s energy. This means showing the leader that you are trustworthy. If the leader’s personal energy is less drained, you will be regarded as a reliable employee.

Even better than that? There are people who not only do not drain the leader’s energy but actually give energy to the leader. Seeing them gives strength. Even when hurt by misunderstandings, baseless criticism, or adversity, and feeling like giving up, you get back up again. Then you will truly be loved.

The reverse is also true. It is not good for leaders to be people who drain their employees’ energy. Some leaders not only fail to give energy but actually take it away. Then employees lose all their energy and cannot focus on important tasks. The more dangerous thing is that if you stay with such a person for a long time, the entire organization becomes unknowingly tainted.

However, some leaders emit energy. Meeting them gives you confidence that even seemingly impossible things can be done, and blocked obstacles suddenly clear. Therefore, if leaders can reduce the energy they consume from employees or even become people who give energy, it will multiply the growth of members and the organization’s performance.

Shin Sujeong, Head of KT Enterprise Division