Digital language of labor-management relations

SEOUL - Right down the Gwanghwamun Plaza is the 9.5-meter statue of King Sejong, the 15th-century Korean monarch. It's easy to discover this popular landmark as my reference in locating my hotel accommodation. After alighting from an airport limousine bus from Incheon Airport, I alighted at a bus stop in front of a hotel at around 9:30 in the evening.

- REY ELBO

It was not my hotel. My accommodation is about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. I know where to go but was intrigued to know the difference between Japanese and Korean customer service even if the biting, cold weather was a challenge. I went inside the hotel to take a leak then asked a Lee Min-ho look-alike at the reception desk. He was friendly despite the fact I was asking for the location of a competing hotel which is about a 10-minute walk.

"The area is between a building where the US embassy is located," he emphasized with a smile. Why emphasize the location of the embassy when the glorious statue of King Sejong can be easily discovered from all angles? South Korea and the US have a strong economic and military alliance.

I know what you're thinking. If I got a detailed map, why bother to ask for directions when I already know the answer? By the way, I'm here in Seoul honoring the invitation of the Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organization and the Korea Productivity Center to talk about how digital technology can help improve labor-management relations with the majority of middle-aged management professionals from 17 Asian countries.

Why learn from an old dog teaching a new trick? You'll be surprised.

Digital tools

I've been using digital tools (DTs) since close to 20 years ago when I taught management subjects to college students. I know how they tickle the minds of people, young and old alike. In my presentations, I used DTs that are woven in my presentations to help people maintain their focus.