[The Editors' Verdict] Why 'Gamojang Leadership' Is Gaining Attention

[Asia Economy So Jong-seop, Trend & Weekend Managing Editor] Leadership is like a rainbow. Some embrace their members with ‘Papa Leadership.’ Others propel their members forward with ‘Charismatic Leadership.’ Some prioritize autonomy, while others emphasize discipline. It is impossible to say which leadership style is better. Leadership operates differently depending on the internal and external circumstances of the organization and the flow of the times. What remains constant is trust in the leader. Whether it is based on performance or character, the power of leadership comes from there.

The reason I thought of ‘leadership’ recently was after seeing a certain scene. It was a photo posted on social media by Representative Kim Ki-hyun, who is running in the People Power Party leadership election. On January 27, he shared a photo taken with singer Nam Jin and volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung, writing, “I would like to thank Kim Yeon-koung and Nam Jin, who took precious time to support me in the party leadership election and even prepared bouquets.”

However, Nam Jin told the media, “I just met with acquaintances including Kim Yeon-koung, who is from the same hometown, and Representative Kim suddenly appeared, greeted us, and took a photo. I do not know Representative Kim. The bouquets were prepared by Representative Kim’s side.” There is a big gap between Representative Kim’s statement of ‘supporting me and even preparing bouquets’ and Nam Jin’s clarification. It is appropriate for Representative Kim to explain the background of his post and apologize immediately. In such situations, it is difficult for ‘trust’ to grow.

What draws attention in relation to leadership is the ‘elephant.’ It is ‘Gamojang Leadership.’ ‘Gamojang’ refers to the leader of an elephant group. It is the oldest female elephant. The Gamojang leads the herd based on outstanding wisdom acquired through long experience. Professor Jang Ki-gwon of Ewha Womans University recently stated in his book that “the Gamojang never instructs or orders the herd members to stay within the group or not to leave. The elephants in the group decide for themselves whether to stay or leave based on their own judgment.”

‘Gamojang Leadership’ centers on ‘gaining trust from members by solving problems.’ By doing so, the herd naturally follows the Gamojang. It is not about showing off power, suppressing by force, or boasting. When there is a drought, the Gamojang leads the herd to where water is available, and when danger arises, she accurately judges and protects the herd. Through this process, the herd follows the Gamojang’s ability to present a vision and mediate conflicts, embodying leadership based on sacrifice, respect, and devotion.

During the rapid industrialization and democratization process, Korean society tended to worship superhuman heroic leaders who said, ‘Follow me.’ The psychology of expecting one person to solve many problems dominated. It was like expecting the world to completely change when the regime changes. Organizational leaders often approached their work thinking the world would collapse without them. The winner-takes-all parliamentary election system and presidential elections fought like wars can be seen as reflections of this trend.

However, society has now diversified. Interests have become complex, and the issues requiring conflict resolution have increased. Information is disclosed and verified in real time. Korea is deeply integrated into global social trends. This is why ‘Gamojang Leadership,’ which quietly solves problems, earns the trust of members, and leads the group to harmony, is newly gaining attention.