A courtesy you must keep as a grown-up

KWON SUK-CHUN
The author is an advisor at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC.

I recently hosted a debate. Before the event, I asked the organizer, “Is there anything I should pay attention to?” The organizer thought for a moment and said, “I think it would be nice if your facial expression is a bit brighter.” Then I realized that facial expressions are as important as words.

The 2022 movie “Living” is set in England in the 1950s. Rodney Williams, a civil servant at London City Hall, only goes between home and work. His wife passed a long time ago. He lives with his son and his daughter-in-law, but they only pass plates at meals without saying anything. His face looks more like a death mask as he leads an uneventful life.

He is nicknamed “Mr. Zombie.” At work, he greets people as a mere formality. Possibly because of the shadow he casts, workers around him are also stiff. One day, his life starts to change when he learns that he had a terminal illness. But what inspires a true change in him is when he starts to “see and learn” from a young man’s lively attitude.

While watching the movie “A good mood is the manner of a grown-up” by Kei Sugawara, I was reminded of a Japanese writer’s words. Someone who is in a leadership position, whether at work or home, should have a bright face, he says. When you frown because you are not in a good mood, everyone around you would become gloomy, just as a drop of red ink turns a pool red.

Having a “serious face” may be a habit or mannerism. You might not be eager to do your job or not happy with your life. Of course, just because you are the boss, the manager or the head of the family, you cannot always be in a good mood. You are only human and free to make a face. But you must check what your face looks like, and how your facial expression influences those around you from time to time. Consider it a courtesy that you, as a grown-up, should keep.