Good to Great

Everyone in the office was given a copy of Jim Collins' Good to Great, an easy to follow book that details the key factors that turn a good company into a great company. On the B-M Korea office's Facebook group, I saw that 류부사장님 had pointed out an interesting discussion presented in the third chapter, “First Who...Then What (사람 먼저...다음에 할 일)”. The topic of this chapter has been a running theme in several of the training sessions I've attended at B-M, and that is the idea that a great firm starts with its people.

Jim Collins gives readers the analogy of a bus that must be filled with the right people before any decision can be made about where it should go. Having the "right" people will ensure that the bus will ride smoothly in any direction. In other words, if a company has the right talent, it can easily adapt to different business conditions and take the company in the direction it needs.

Without specific products to sell, a PR firm's greatest asset is the "right" people. These people are not only sharp professionals and potential leaders, but are also team players who ultimately work on behalf of the company rather than themselves. I've had the honor to work with such individuals at B-M. The quality of their work and attitude in the workplace has made my internship a positive learning experience. I've observed the kind of work ethic and dedication to the team that it takes to become a respected colleague who in turn, helps turn a good company into a great company.

I still remember when Bob Pickard, CEO of Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific, visited our office back in March. He drew a big circle on the whiteboard, tracing a company's growth path. And right at the beginning of that path was "people". Our president, Margaret Key, delivered the same message during a staff meeting some time later. She explained that B-M Korea's success originates from its people and how the office could only hope to take things to the next level by continuing to display exemplary professionalism and teamwork.

It's not a coincidence that three leaders at B-M have made a point to emphasize the importance of a company's people. Their common point of view is reflected in the talent that populates this office.

As my last official post as a B-M intern, I would like to thank you all for a great internship experience and for inviting me to take a seat on the B-M Korea bus. It's been a great ride!