Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Our culture determines how and to the degree information is shared and whether it is critical, to be ignored, inappropriate, or outside of our boundaries. For example, in the West, we often use "low content" communications. Conversations are direct and can be confrontational. We require background information in the message—little is assumed as known—including why an issue may need to be deemed sensitive. Transparency means fewer boundaries, too. Don Southerton Within Korean organizations, the very nature of the Asian “high content” culture means less is shared in explicit verbal and open communication. Since teams foster long-lasting relationships much is shared informally within their circle of close trusted colleagues, and much is also accumulated knowledge, so issues require little explanation or even discussion. When something is seen as a sensitive issue or an issue with strong boundaries, an individual may steer clear of openly sharing, especially if they fe...

Staying current on all the moving parts within a Korean Group or Korea in general, is no small effort.  Knowing the gaps in communications, I do my best to keep teams and leadership updated. Some thoughts …. Don Southerton on Korean Business From time to time concerns occur in the overseas workplace regarding communications between the HQ and local operations. This can range from feelings of being disconnected and being the last to know as global announcements are made or important news surfaces. This information gap can include working teams but is also felt by local leadership. Team members may even feel that information is being deliberately withheld. While there may be some truth in the disconnection, the feeling that Koreans are withholding information deliberately is most often a perception not reality.  What may be a surprise for western overseas teams is that Korean staff in their home offices must make quite an effort to stay informed. As one entry-level em...

American holidays allow me to step back, see what I may be missing, take a deep breath and uncover the best solutions to current challenges.  My goal is to provide frank insights and pro-active recommendations. Below are a couple helpful talking points.  Talking Point #1 As with all individuals, no two of us are alike—and the same goes for westerners and Koreans .... Each has his or her unique cultural workplace strengths, skills, and experiences. That said, one topic I constantly revisit is the assumption that executives and teams engaged in Korea facing business will simply "get it" and “learn as they go.” Without ongoing coaching, this common default seldom works. More damaging is that some team members without support and mentoring may “never get it.” Arguments that such support can wait often come with a price tag—missteps along the way, poor productivity, and miscommunications.  Push back attributed to the costs for support is often cited, too, as...

North Korea. There is always some concern among Western teams when North Korea saber rattles... I will try to give some perspective. I see no need for alarm even amidst a new round of missile launches and an alert by the North for "full-combat posture." Having followed North Korea since 1989 including a mix of academic work, friendships with some of the top experts on North Korea, as well as watching the more recent Trump-Kim talks... I've always felt any negotiations with the North seem like two steps forward, and one step back—not to mention North Korea is skilled at brinkmanship. My take on the latest missile launches is that the North appears to be demonstrating measured displeasure with the breakdown in talks following the February Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump.  The North also seems to be determined to put pressure on South Korea and Washington for the resumption of dialogue. Missle launches do get our attention.    For North...

Just a reminder as Korea has some holidays coming up... In South Korea, May 1st is known simply as "Workers' Day". It is not a public holiday, but a paid holiday for workers by the Designation of Workers' Day Act. A National Holiday, Children's Day falls on a Sunday in 2019, the following Monday, May 6 will be celebrated as the holiday. Workers get a day off work and children get a day off school.  Families make an extra effort to do something special on Children’s Day. Parents will often take their children somewhere special and treat them to snacks or ice cream. One of the theme parks, zoos, and historic sites are popular places for Koreans to take their children, too. This year Buddha's Birthday, a National Holiday, falls on Sunday, May 12. Buddha’s Birthday is not only an important and auspicious day for the nation’s practicing Buddhists (a religious group that makes up approximately one-fifth of South Korea’s population), but it is also...

Part 2 Q & A looks at how to offset the unexpected. In many cases, leadership and team do need direct support. I want to strongly encourage you to reach out to me. At least for a neutral second opinion. Best, too, to engage early, and not put off until issues escalate or go sideways. Waiting rarely makes things better.  Call, text, Message or email and we can discuss.  Don

Question?  Don, working with Korea, how can we ensure projects stay on track amid changes and forces from outside of our control. Answer. Great question. I will answer in two parts, in this posting, Part 1. First, the short answer is it’s critical to stay aware and sensitive to not only the scope of the project but the broader circumstances that could impact the work.  One needs a 360 vs. a very linear mindset. In many cases, my work is providing this insight—honed over decades—more art than science. Next, have countermeasures as options already in place. To elaborate on both points… Pondering on the question, it made me reflect on within the  Korean workplace  that the most savvy, long term staff and executives are both highly intuitive, sensitive and vigilant to all that goes on around them. They read situations and adapt accordingly. Little gets by them. In particular, they even anticipate senior lead...

Hit the target 2019. A week does not go by without a colleague or client expressing deep concern for what seems an overarching and singular need for their company to reach their sales numbers. To most, despite a number of vital business initiatives, they feel the monthly demand to meet “Plan” matters most. I can recall a few years ago while mentoring a new American divisional vice president being pulled aside by his Korean expatriate counterpart, an  Executive Coordinator . The Korean who I was also coaching seemed troubled and obviously under duress. The Korean manager knew I understood the company as well as Seoul HQ expectations.  The Korean asked passionately for me to stress to the new American VP they needed to “Hit the Target.”  He repeating the phase, 3 times so to ensure I got it… then patting me on the back and sending me over to the adjacent office with the VP to share the message. Frankly, as long as I have been working with Korea facing global bus...

Snow Storm and blizzard conditions here in Golden, Colorado... That said, wanted to share some thoughts--building bridges: closing gaps. It can be challenging to come up with a workable solution to a pressing issue, especially when under stress and the demands of day to day, not to mention the need to consider the Culture. For me, sound advise requires pulling apart the matter to the core and then sharing a plan to best build bridges and close gaps — something which is more art than science ☺.   Critical thinking i s a key component in this process, too, as it goes beyond rudimentary decision-making. It often involves the ability to analyze multiple data points and make an intelligent, practical interpretation or decision.  I find when presented with a business issue clear thinking is a must. I have found stepping away amid the process valuable and useful. Martial arts and bouldering are a big part of this recharge and re-focus routine.  I find after a dem...

Just an FYI for the teams in the US. South Korea observes Korea Standard Time (KST) all year. Clocks do not change in South Korea.  I find it best to double check call times to Korea this week  :) https://www.timeanddate.com/time/zone/south-korea/seoul Korea business question. just Message, Text or email

Overseeing an international project in South Korea?  Managing a local Korean subsidiary--the brand’s HQ and senior leadership in Korea?  Then, you are from time to time bringing on new executives and team  members. Lesson learned tell us the new hires will need Korea facing support and insights into the many nuances that will impact their day to day interactions and business decision.   For starters, I feel there are 3 essentials to better understanding the Korean mindset and DNA with regard to Korean business. Hierarchy—place and order One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Korean culture and deeply embedded in the workplace is hierarchy . Unlike the West, within this hierarchy no two individuals have the same place within the social matrix--age, education, family, employment and title /position with a company or organization determining where one stands within this matrix.  Especially with new hires, Korean ...

Each year March 1st is celebrated as a South Korean National Holiday—this year, the 100th anniversary, of greater significance– a Day in Korean History. Some context regarding its significance.    We herewith proclaim the independence of Korea and the liberty of the Korean people. This we proclaim to all the nations of the world in witness of human equality. This we proclaim to our descendants so that they may enjoy in perpetuity their inherent right to nationhood. In as much as this proclamation originates from our five-thousand-year history, in as much as it springs from the loyalty of twenty million people, in as much as it affirms our yearning for the advancement of everlasting liberty, in as much as it expresses our desire to take part in the global reform rooted in human conscience, it is the solemn will of heaven, the great tide of our age, and a just act necessary for the co-existence of all humankind.  Therefore, no power in this world can obstruc...

Many of us enjoy learning about the culture and traditions of Korea amid an ever-changing society. This week, on February 19, Daeboreum is observed, celebrating the first full moon of the Lunar New Year. BTW, historic mentions of Daeboreum date back to the 1200s.  Daeboreum (대보름) literally means “great full moon”.    Daeboreum Festival As a cultural observance, Daeboreum is accompanied by tradition, rituals, and foods. As with all cultures, some practices remain more common than others…and there are often variations. That said, in recent years festivals have sought to preserve their traditions.  Common practices may include: It's popular to crack nuts (usually peanuts and walnuts)  with your teeth, tradition that this will keep your teeth healthy as well as other ills away for the year. People will cross back and forth on the walk bridges in the evening, the belief that it will mak...