Marchmont network: business news | conferences | consulting
Marchmont blog Eng | Рус

Monday, August 8, 2011

The value of history

South Korea has been awarded their Winter Olympics—after a third try. I read about it and my memories of that country came to mind. Perseverance in achieving goals is not the only characteristic its extraordinary people have.
 
In addition to heading a rating agency, OmniGrade, I also work as a board member of an international factoring association, IFG, and am responsible for Asian factoring operations. I have been to many Asian countries as an IFG representative, meeting managers of local financial institutions. It’s so easy to arrange such meetings; you simply write a letter or email with an introduction and a topic you’d like to discuss and soon receive a reply confirming an appointment or courteously denying it for a reason.
 
With South Koreans, however, it was different; to every letter of mine I received similar answers: “to decide whether to meet you Mr. X is kindly requesting your bio.”
 
My first reaction was astonishment: why on earth do they need to know my bio if they are aware of my current position? But such requests would come over and over and over again; and I then realized that asking me for this did make certain sense. It is the history of an individual with its past experience and reputation that is the best criterion for the Koreans to see if interacting with that individual is worthwhile.
 
The same is valid for companies. It’s by no accident that many European firms still apply considerable efforts and spend a lot of money to whitewash themselves from the ‘legacy’ of their predecessors who, for instance, collaborated with the Nazis in Germany.
 
Keeping corporate history open has positive effects. A company has survived several crises—that means its viability is high and it is capable of honoring its contractual obligations in tough times. A company has repeatedly introduced new products and services to the market—that means it is genetically prone to innovation.
 
Remembering and analyzing a firm’s past can turn problems into achievements when managers can rightly say: yes, we lost something at a certain point in history but we have gained invaluable experience that is ours for good. The reverse may also be true, though; disregard for a company’s history wipes out prior achievements, and the past stops being a helper when it sinks into oblivion.

15 comments:

  1. This is a great success for you because you have won the prize. Now, many professionals will follow you because they want to get some rewards and spend a good life. Coursework writing services.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting to read about the South-Korean way of doing things- I have recently hired a Ddissertation writing service London based, and I am thinking of requesting the writer’s bio. But, I think a bio would be too much. Hmm, I should settle for a portfolio. I hope he doesn’t have a problem sharing it, though.


    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, Great article I have ever read, After read your article I thought I should write my first comment here. I don't know what to say but I really enjoy to read your blog.

    토토사이트
    온라인카지노
    파워볼사이트
    카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you so much for sharing this article with us and all the best for your next blog.

    스포츠토토
    토토
    안전놀이터
    토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  5. Astonishing work by awesome people out there. An obligation of appreciation is all together for this grand post working close by. Continue doing magnificent

    사설토토
    카지노
    파워볼사이트
    온라인카지노

    ReplyDelete
  6. Do you suffer from erectile dysfunction? The erectile dysfunction doctors in Fort Lauderdale at Preferred Men’s Medical Center can help. Our physicians evaluate each person on an individual basis, always with an eye towards providing effective and rapid results.
    erectile dysfunction doctors near Fort Lauderdale

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very interesting information and i really glad to getting this information. 파친코사이트

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up fast! 스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes I am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article. I will make sure to be reading your blog more.
    스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  10. It’s awesome in favor of me to have a web page, which is useful in favor of my experience. thanks admin. 바둑이게임

    ReplyDelete
  11. great & nice articles with a lot of information to read...great people keep posting and keep updating people..thank you , Hello, this is very useful material.
    스포츠토토승부식

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post.

    바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  13. The fact that South Korea was able to secure the Winter Olympics is a testament to their tenacity and resiliency. Their extraordinary individuals are an inspiration to the globe since they are the epitome of not just tenacity but also dedication to greatness. - Future Style Written by Nida Faysal

    ReplyDelete
  14. History is the foundation of our identity and culture. Very grateful to this valuable resources and information provided on your website.
    reckless driving virginia lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  15. Discover the exquisite blend of rabbit turkish sex honey in uae by Monster Rabbit, a potent aphrodisiac known for its natural energy-boosting and stamina-enhancing properties. Elevate your vitality and indulge in a sweet treat while unlocking newfound passion with Monster Rabbit's Epimedium Honey in Dubai.

    ReplyDelete