Dr. Lee Young-sook's Character Column

Nordstrom, with a 100-year tradition, has been one of America's leading department stores. Now in its fourth generation of family management, Nordstrom has earned a reputation as a "legend of customer satisfaction management" in the service industry. The company is famously known for never telling customers "No." Here is a story that has been featured as a model case in management textbooks. One day, a gentleman chose a perfume for his wife at a Nordstrom store. Unfortunately, that particular product was sold out. The staff member said, "Please wait just 15 minutes. I will definitely find the product for you." After exactly 15 minutes, the staff member returned, out of breath, and handed the perfume to the gentleman. Remarkably, the staff member had purchased the perfume from another store using his own money. This demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility, going above and beyond to ensure the customer was not disappointed. Stories like this about responsible employees and management have helped Nordstrom gain recognition as a trusted company that customers feel they cannot replace, even with money.

Responsibility is defined as "the attitude of knowing what I need to do and carrying it out well until the end" (Goodtree Character School definition). Only responsible leaders can earn the trust and support of others. How can we teach our children to become leaders with the character of responsibility?

Strategy 1: Show each other responsibility as a couple. 
The foundation of a family is the relationship between spouses. Growing up witnessing parents valuing their marriage and fulfilling their responsibilities to each other serves as a pathway for children to learn interpersonal attitudes.

Strategy 2: Remember that appropriate discipline that teaches right from wrong is an important responsibility of parents. 
Expecting children to behave well on their own and neglecting them can lead to significant trial and error. Parents have the responsibility to teach appropriate discipline and promises for their children's future, helping them realize that they must adhere to rules in society with a sense of responsibility. When a child misbehaves, it is essential to clarify the wrongdoing and discipline them according to pre-established rules.

Now more than ever, we live in a time that desperately needs individuals to take responsibility and perform their duties well. In a chaotic society where it can be hard to know where to start, let us begin by practicing the "character of responsibility" ourselves. I hope that the efforts of each family will come together to cultivate a society where responsibility flourishes, nurturing a great dream that we will not abandon.

Responsibility is
Korean Copyright Registration No. C-2014-008485
U.S. Copyright Registration No. TX 8-721-576
Step 1 Definition: 
Carrying out what I need to do until the end.
Step 2 Definition: 
The attitude of knowing what I need to do and carrying it out well until the end.

Dr. Lee Young-sook
Director of Goodtree Character School | GoodtreeUSA, President of the Korean Character Association, Former Graduate School Professor at Konyang University
Columnist for Naver and Chosun Ilbo on Parenting Character Education, Speaker at various prestigious events including the Blue House, Korean Educational and Academic Information Service, Ministry of Education, and Education Offices
Broadcast appearances: EBS 60 Minutes Parents, SBS My Child Has Changed, MBC Kids' Meal Classroom, KBS My Friend is Seven, CBS Sebasi, among others as an education expert
Publications: Numerous works including "12 Character Theories," "Character Communication Methods," "Character Discipline Methods," "Character Parenting Methods," "Character Innovation," and "Character Play.