Plain advice to son
By Kim Jeong-kyoo
It's rainy. How are you today? I'm lingering over coffee, gazing at the raindrops gently beating on the windowpanes. The black pet dog you've asked your mother to look after for some time has drifted off into a fitful nap on the bed beside me. Unlike his usual sleeping posture, he's lying supine. As you know, he is in the habit of lying prone, curling his body.
When you first left the pet poodle at our home, he used to wait for you, especially at night, kneeling and eying the door. But he's fully adapted himself to his new circumstance. Your dog looks content with our love and care for him.
Don't worry about your dog and do your work. Avoid neglecting to exert your utmost efforts to be the best in your field. Given the surge of sales your team has shown last year, you must be doing well. And I am proud of you.
Still, let me give you some advice on the way to becoming a good boss. I don't want to force you to stick to my recommendations strictly, but just don't spurn them all.
First, take everybody under your wing including those falling short on your expectations. Try to help those less-skilful fellows so they can carry out their jobs successfully.
Critical, but difficult to do, is decision-making. Don't rush to make the wrong decision to regret it later. Nor should you delay making a decision. You need to decide and act promptly.
To decide properly, you have to put yourself in the top management's shoes. Think what you would do if you were the owner of the company. That way you will always reach a right decision; at the very least you could avoid making a serious gaffe.
Like most ordinary mortals at your age, you also have confidence. Granted, self-confidence is a good virtue. Without a deep sense of humility, however, any confidence can readily turn into a blatant arrogance.
Make sure there is a feeling of warmth and trust in the office. Be a gentleman ready to thank your staff. Without their backing, you will rarely achieve what you seek.
Don't say too much. That can cause you to look less-dependable, possibly depriving you of authority for imposing your will on others. Also, you can make a slip of the tongue, which prevents people from remaining faithful and devoted to you. You will be done for once they don't trust you.
My major concern is your good health. Stop smoking.
Invest more time in sports such as golf that you are deeply in love with. Golf is an exciting game that also promotes mental health and a harmless escapism from the pandemic-constrained world.
Incidentally, health resembles golf. Your ball-striking ability hinges on constant efforts to fine-tune your swing. And the same holds true for health. Lose your health and you lose everything.
Last, I want to say thank you for your coming to see us often.
Take care! I hope to see you soon. Give my regards to my daughter-in-law, beautiful and elegant. And don't forget to wear a mask.
The author is an ex-professor and urban dweller studying and teaching on the outskirts of a city in Gyeonggi Province.