Today, the weather in Seoul was just lovely.
It felt like winter quietly passing the baton to spring.
The wind was gentle, and for a moment, I just wanted to stop and breathe it in.
On such a beautiful day, I was invited to join a selection panel for a major project—our task: to choose the right leader.
But I walked away with a lingering sense of discomfort.
Let me tell you why.
A-grade talent comes with strong drive, independence, and creativity.
✔️ They’re hard to recruit.
✔️ They’re even harder to manage.
That’s why A-grade leaders boldly hire other A-grade people—they know it takes excellence to achieve excellence.
But B-grade leaders? They often fear A-grade talent.
✔️ They’re afraid their own presence will be overshadowed.
✔️ They want collaboration, but never want to give up control.
And I saw that fear firsthand today.
One of the interviewers couldn’t hide his inferiority complex.
In a formal setting, he let that insecurity spill out toward the candidate.
Was it a job interview or a turf war?
It was painful to witness.
Have you ever seen that?
That moment when a project needs someone smarter, stronger, and better…But the decision-maker hesitates—afraid of being outshined.
And in the end, they choose a 2nd or 3rd-tier person, just to feel safe.
Me? I’ve always believed this, and I still do:
“If you want to succeed, you need to work with the best.”
If I’m not the best in the room, I want to bring in someone who is.
Because success always leads to more opportunities.
So why give up the chance to work with top talent
just to protect your ego—before the project even begins?
And this isn’t just about work.
It’s the same in relationships.
I once knew someone who had the chance to partner with a truly outstanding person—both in skill and in character.
But he hesitated.
And in the end, he chose someone slightly less capable.
Why?
Because it made him feel superior.
He passed up a real opportunity just to protect a fragile sense of self-worth.
And as expected, the project didn’t last.
Neither did the relationship.
As for me?
Whether it’s work or life, I prefer A-grade people.
People who are smart, driven, and capable.
I learn from them. They challenge me.
And above all—they make me feel like we’re growing together.
That, to me, is the path to real success.
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