[K-Women Talk] Leadership for an Era of Change as Told by ChatGPT

The world is always ever-changing, but recently many people feel that a fundamental change is taking place. This is due to the emergence of the AI ChatGPT. The advent of the internet allowed us to easily access vast amounts of information, but back then, we were simply thrown into a sea of information. ChatGPT, however, processes that information according to our needs.

In this era of tremendous change, what kind of leadership should organizational leaders who run companies possess? In the past, a leader of an organization was often seen as someone charismatic. A person with a clear vision who could lead members in a unified manner was considered a proper leader. However, in times of tectonic shifts in the industry and the need to respond to continuous change, it is impossible for a leader alone to possess such capabilities.

Recently, when discussing efficient organizational culture and forms, the most frequently mentioned is the agile organization. In the current situation of increased uncertainty, breaking down the boundaries between existing departments and forming small teams as needed, and improving work completeness by reflecting quick execution and external feedback rather than perfect prior planning, agile organizations inevitably have higher efficiency. It is well known that Microsoft, which had declining performance due to hardened barriers between departments and overheated competition, welcomed Satya Nadella as CEO, actively introduced agile management, and entered a new golden age. The leadership suited for such agile organizations is empathy and collaborative leadership, coaching-type leadership. Sharing information and cooperating so that members can demonstrate their best capabilities is the way for organizations to survive in times of change.

Recent survey results by a recruitment platform company targeting MZ generation office workers align with this context. The leadership most preferred by MZ generation workers is ‘coaching-type leadership’ that manages and supports the performance of organization members. Leaders who strive for employees’ self-realization and development are more spotlighted and demanded. MZ generation members, who naturally consider changing companies for their growth and have a high turnover rate, feel motivated to work well when they believe that their work helps their growth and development. Therefore, leaders must find and draw out the meaning of the work from the members’ perspective.

At the ‘Women Leaders Forum’ hosted by Asia Economy last year, the same opinion was presented regarding leadership. In the career session, discussants suggested that "leadership based on empathy, consideration, harmony, and listening" is now necessary, and unanimously agreed that women have strengths in this regard. This was a part that the author particularly resonated with during the forum. Our management environment is now shifting from competition with organizational members to active cooperation, and the happiness and growth of members are becoming important, with the proportion of women among members continuously increasing. Since more than half of consumers are also women, the role of female leaders, who can listen to and empathize with the voices of internal and external female customers, will inevitably grow.

Before writing this column, I asked ChatGPT, "What is the most effective leadership in times of change and crisis?" ChatGPT answered in less than a second, "Leadership that strengthens trust and cooperation, alleviates members’ anxiety through support and guidance, and can inspire enthusiasm and motivation." It was exactly my thought.

Kim Kyung-sun, Former Vice Minister of Gender Equality and Family