Shinsegae Group chief emphasizes expertise during employee training

[Photo provided by Shinsegae Group]

Shinsegae Group Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin emphasized the importance of securing and nurturing outstanding talents in overcoming industry challenges in a meet-up with employees last week.

According to the Shinsegae Group on Monday, Chung emphasized the importance of becoming true experts in their respective fields.

“When I joined the company, the focus was on cultivating generalists rather than specialists,” Chung said, during the onboarding completion ceremony for new employees held at Shinsegae Namsan, the group’s talent development center, in central Seoul, last week. “However, the talent profile has changed now. We need individuals who dive deep into their specific fields, possessing expert-level insights as if they were enthusiasts.”

Chung noted that marketing professionals should be avid enthusiasts that can sell boots on a day without rain.

“Employees need to acquire solid expertise and depth in their fields to revive Shinsegae’s core competitiveness and restore profitability,” he said.

Chung underlined the significance of customer satisfaction and the approach to work during the ceremony.

He noted that in the past, simply treating customers kindly could differentiate the company from competitors.

However, customer expectations have evolved, and now, they seek solutions that fulfill their needs rather than just hearing kind words, he said.

“The difference between those who continue to grow, those who remain in their current positions, and those who retreat ultimately stems from the attitude towards work,” Chung said. “I urge each of you to have the appropriate character and attitude for your respective tasks and approach your work with determination.”

In December 2023, Chung personally participated as the final interviewer in the recruitment process for Shinsegae Group’s new employees, evaluating the qualities and capabilities of over 100 candidates.

He meticulously reviewed all applicants’ self-introduction letters, as well as the assessments from the first and second rounds.