Seo Tai-chang CEO of Hyundai Marine & Fire

By Kim Jae-won
Staff Reporter

The bestselling book titled "Whale Done!: The Power of Positive Relationships," introduced a new leadership style that shows positive results when people get encouragement and compliment from others.

Seo Tai-chang, CEO of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, exhibits leadership similar to that discussed in the 2003 book. Seo believes that positive reinforcement maximizes the abilities of employees, and this creates the best-quality services for customers. The 53-year-old Daegu native sends letters containing compliments to his employees who receive positive feedback from consumers.

At Hyundai, executives meet with employees outside the workplace on a regular basis for such activities as going to the movies or having a beer together. Employees call these outings ― started by Seo ― ``Hi-Day.''

"It is a good chance to get to know each other. We talk about our tasks as well as private problems," an employee of the firm said.

He encourages employees to put themselves into their customers' shoes. Every employee and executive is obliged to experience customer services, and is supposed to report about what they observe. It is a good method to give feedback on what the firm needs to change and upgrade for its customers.

The Yonsei University graduate started his career at Hyundai Engineering & Construction in 1979, and joined Hyundai Marine & Fire in 1986. Since then, he has worked for the company for 24 years, and took the office of CEO three years ago. He was reappointed as head of the insurer in February, and will lead Hyundai by 2013.

shosta@koreatimes.co.kr