In June, 12 participants completed a two-week introduction course, where they got to learn about POSCO’s history, Korean culture and POSCO’s overall operations. Then, they were dispatched to each respective department for hands-on work experience.

In addition, participants can also integrate Korean language courses with work. As a result, most participants have already taken their TOPIK, a Korean language certification test, and received their certifications.

To close off the six-month program, GMP participants took part in a workshop on December 7, at the POSCO Center to share their results and discuss ways to improve the GMP.

Pedro, one of the participants from POSCO-Mexico said, “This has been an invaluable experience and my. I have a greater understanding of POSCO’s operations thanks to the GMP, and I have gained a totally new perspective on business. I will highly recommend this program to my colleagues.”

POSCO is currently in the process of selecting 30 GMP participants for 2018, a sharp increase in the numbers of participants compared to 21 employees this year so that P-level employees can participate in the program. POSCO will continue to train exemplary employees and strengthen the competitiveness of overseas affiliates through the GMP system.

The report outlines POSCO’s overall performance and business activities, as well as the CEO’s message. The activities and performance section contains a review of the safety and health of employees, supply chain management, solution marketing, environmental management and climate change. Unlike previous years, this year’s report includes mid-to-long-term strategies such as securing new, sustainable growth engines for the steel business.

The report also features interviews with POSCO executives and external stakeholders. Highlights include interviews with the COO Oh In-hwan and the heads of three divisions: Steel Production, Technology and Investment and Management Support. They describe key, prospective businesses for 2017 and their means to accomplish those goals. Also, stakeholders reveal their expectations for POSCO and plans for improvement in several interviews throughout.

Samil PwC verified the report based on newly revised international guidelines. Also, the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standard and UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) were applied for enhanced credibility and transparency. POSCO not only validated their own data, but also the integrated ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) data of its key affiliates to augment the report.

In its conclusion, POSCO CEO Kwon Ohjoon emphasizes his message about the importance of the 4 core strategies in laying down the foundation for POSCO’s Next 50 Years. The strategies include enhancement of the steel business, reinforcement of the business structure of the Group, development of future growth engines and the establishment of a flexible and creative corporate culture. He also outlines how he will make efforts to comply with the principles of sustainability that is expected of global enterprises, such as environmental responsibility, human rights, labor rights and anti-corruption, and share the outcomes promptly and transparently with all stakeholders, including investors, customers and local communities.  

The cover of the 2016 POSCO Report features a bumper beam made of “POSCO GIGA STEEL,” POSCO’s World Premium Product.

The 2016 POSCO Report is available in Korean and English. You can download the PDF report from the POSCO website.

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However, due to the successful management of POSCO’s overseas subsidiaries, the combined performance of the group improved significantly. By focusing on sales of high value-added products based on solution marketing, engaging in extensive cost-saving efforts, and generating revenues via the “Innovation POSCO Project”, POSCO was able to deliver a two-digit profit margin and a more than 50-percent jump in stock value.

By continuing this work in 2017, POSCO is determined to maintain its position as a leader in the global steel industry.

POSCO’s Vision for 2017

In 2017, further improvements in the global steel market are likely as the global economy continues its recovery. Also, improvements are expected in the supply-demand imbalance as China is expected to slightly reduce steel production.

In 2017, POSCO plans to further the success seen in 2016 and continue to lead the steel industry through innovation and continuous improvements of its World Premium Products.

However, the spread of trade protectionism across developed and developing countries alike, is expected to create potential barriers for POSCO’s export environment. Moreover, competing mills have been accelerating consolidation and expansion to maintain their dominance in their respective local markets while also focusing on the development of high-end products. All of these factors point to ever intensifying competition both in terms of quantity and quality.

To remain competitive with other leading global players in 2017, POSCO plans to solidify its profitability by completing its restructuring process as part of Innovation POSCO 2.0 and strengthening its foundation for future growth.

In CEO Ohjoon Kwon’s 2017 New Year’s message, he marked the steps that must be taken in 2017 to accomplish these goals. First, POSCO must continue upgrading its steel business with proprietary technologies. Second, the business structure of POSCO Group should be continuously restructured to improve efficiencies in low-profit businesses. Third, future growth must be ensured by strengthening competencies based on “Smart Solutions.” And lastly, POSCO must continue its work to establish a flexible and creative corporate culture that excels in the 21^st century.

Despite all of the aforementioned challenges facing the steel industry, POSCO has continued to be a leader. Through innovation and a strong focus on improving the quality of its World Premium Products, POSCO is again well-positioned to lead the industry in 2017 – and in the years to come.

POSCO Named World’s Most Competitive Steelmaker for 7th Consecutive Year

In World Steel Dynamics (WSD) latest World-Class Steelmaker Rankings of 37 steelmakers around the world, POSCO once again topped the list. In the ranking, POSCO was recognized for reorganizing its corporate structure, making use of innovative technologies like FINEX and CEM, and increasing sales of high-end products like World Premium (WP) products. POSCO has led the WSD rankings for seven years in a row.

Two Automotive Steel Sheet Processing Centers in China Complete Construction

With the completion of two automotive steel sheet processing centers in Chongqing and Chengdu—the hub of China’s auto industry—POSCO is aiming at expanding sales of its high value steel products. The plant in Chongqing alone has an annual production capacity of 140,000 tons and can produce World Premium (WP) steel products. POSCO now operates 21 processing centers in 13 cities around China.

POSCO Global Volunteer Week 2016 Launches in 52 Countries

During POSCO Global Volunteer Week 2016 in the week of May 28 to June 3, 84,000 POSCO employees in 52 countries carried out a wide range of activities to help out their local communities. CEO Ohjoon Kwon participated, too, joining 40 employees to improve facilities at a rehabilitation center near the POSCO Center in Seoul. POSCO, through its seventh annual Global Volunteer Week, sought to actively spread its corporate culture of sharing and communicating with local communities worldwide.

CEO Ohjoon Kwon Receives the Korea Society’s 2016 Van Fleet Award

This year’s Van Fleet Award went to POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon in recognition of his efforts in promoting Korea-U.S. relations. The Van Fleet Award has been given by the Korea Society annually since 1995 to honor those that have contributed to improving the relationship between U.S. and Korea. Past recipients include UN Secretary-General Kimoon Ban, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and former Korean President Daejung Kim. “If the U.S. had not come to the aid of the Korean people, or if we in the South had lost the war, I would not be standing here,” said CEO Kwon in his acceptance speech.

POSCO Develops High-Resolution Inkjet-Printed Steel

POSCO has developed a high-resolution inkjet-printed steel that integrates inkjet printing and steel, using the company’s own technology. The new inkjet-printed steel can be printed in full color with a resolution of more than 1,200 dots per inch—four times higher than existing materials. This new inkjet-printed steel also has high corrosion resistance, a shortened work process, and can be produced in more vivid colors.

POSCO Participates in Offshore Technology Conference 2016

This is the ninth consecutive year that POSCO has participated in the Offshore Technology Conference, the biggest international conference for offshore operation technology. For this year’s Offshore Technology Conference, POSCO set up an exhibition booth with domestic offshore equipment manufacturers, maximizing the company’s promotional effectiveness.

POSCO Announced First Quarter Earnings During IR Conference Call

POSCO announced in April that its first-quarter operating profit and net income have both increased from the previous quarter. Operating profit rose KRW 319.3 billion to reach KRW 659.8 billion while net income was KRW 352.5 billion, rising from KRW 243 billion. However, POSCO’s total revenue was down slightly on a consolidated basis, declining to KRW 12.46 trillion. POSCO credited the improved results to better performance from the steel and trading divisions.

These are exciting days for POSCO. With new technology, new processing centers, and new awards, POSCO is continuing to make its mark in the international steel industry. Expect the big news and major achievements to continue in the second half of 2016.

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The annual POSCO Global Volunteer Week was established to not only give back to local communities, but also to reinforce the corporate value of being socially involved.

POSCO has held the GVW around the end of May every year since 2010, commemorating the date of when the POSCO Volunteering Group was initially founded.

Volunteering Activities Utilizing POSCO’s Business Nature of Steel

This year, approximately 84,000 POSCO Group employees have volunteered to help people across the world by making the best use of their expertise.

Employees in Pohang, Gwangyang and Seoul are carrying out activities such as replacing wheelchair batteries for people with disabilities, establishing safe road environments for children, upgrading electrical facilities for senior citizens living alone and planting wildflowers to create a more cheerful environment.

On May 31, CEO Ohjoon Kwon and approximately 40 employees will visit a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities located near the POSCO Center in Seoul. There, they will build a steel garden, paint fences and assemble steel furniture.

The charity week is also simultaneously being held by POSCO branches overseas. With volunteer work tailored to the needs of their local areas, employees in China, Indonesia and Mexico are all taking initiative to benefit their communities. Volunteer activities include distributing basic necessities to local residents, providing rust removal services, painting bridges and installing plumbing systems in welfare centers.

POSCO, through its seventh annual Global Volunteer Week, seeks to actively spread its corporate culture of sharing and communicating with local communities worldwide.

Dear beloved POSCO family,
The year 2016 has dawned upon us. I wish you a happy and healthy 2016. May the new year be one full of joy, where all your wishes and dreams come true.
Happy New Year!

Dear POSCO family members!
Unfortunately, the local business environment is predicted to decline in 2016.
We anticipate additional challenges to our overseas operations, especially in emerging countries where economic recession is highly likely to persist. Moreover, it has become extremely difficult for us to survive without revamping our current business strategy as we face Japan’s cost competitiveness stemming from its reduced currency value and China’s faster-than-expected technological advancements.
Therefore, I would like to sincerely request that we focus all our efforts towards accelerating “Structural Innovation” in 2016, and break the static mold of old business conventions on operation, cost, profit and consciousness.

First of all, we need to innovatively restructure our Group’s businesses from a perspective of profitability.
Until now, our restructuring initiative has focused on improving financial structure. This year, however, we must carry out thorough restructuring in terms of profitability by eliminating any latent financial issues that may emerge.

Second, we need to improve our current high-cost and inefficient operating structure.
Under the current period of low-margins, it is necessary to improvise our operations to perform under an extremely low cost structure. This transition to low-cost and highly efficient structure should apply to all the functions of the Group including procurement, production, R&D and management. Low-profit and inefficient facilities must all be closely scrutinized to find the most optimal solution, including idling of such facilities. IP projects must be augmented and systemized to accelerate elimination of inefficiencies.

Third, we should also spur our innovations in our revenue structure.
The marketing division needs to implement advanced Solutions Marketing to enhance customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, the R&D and production divisions should seamlessly interconnect with the sales teams to support the expansion of World Premium (WP) product sales.
As for our overseas affiliates that urgently require improvements in profitability, it is important for them to undergo innovative restructuring, strengthen Solutions Marketing and coherently execute cost-savings initiatives.
The significance of breaking away from the conventional captive revenue structure and reinforcing differentiated competitiveness cannot be emphasized enough.
Finally, we must firmly establish an ethical management and a performance-based corporate culture.
Let me re-emphasize that good ethics are POSCO’s most important management principle. No matter what the cost may be, the code of ethics must be adhered to and zero tolerance will be applied to any unethical behavior, regardless of offender’s rank or severity of the case.
Based on this code of ethics, we will create a virtuous corporate culture that generates higher performance results through reinforcing evaluation methods and compensation.

Dear POSCO family members!
As things get more difficult, solutions must be found on-site. As long as we continue to challenge ourselves and make improvements in our production, marketing and construction sites, I have no doubt that we will overcome today’s adversities in no time.

I sincerely hope that 2016 will be a year in which the whole POSCO Group and its members make great strides together.
Thank you very much!

New Year’s morning.
Ohjoon Kwon, CEO

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Please congratulate POSCO for being selected as one of the best companies to work for in South Korea! According to 2014 Korea Great Work Place Index (K-GWPI), POSCO ranked 1st in steel industry – for seven consecutive years – and 3rd in manufacturing sector as the ‘Best Company to Work For’. K-GWPI was developed by Korea Management Association Consulting (KMAC) in 2008 and it releases annual reports to encourage corporations to promote ‘happy workplaces’ since KMAC’s annual reports act as an objective measurement for corporate evaluations.

K-GWPI released its 7^th report this year, and over the period of three months since March to June, it surveyed over 6,200 industry workers, 300 Human Resource specialists via both online and offline questionnaires. The aim is to nominate ‘Best 30 Corporations’ regardless of industry and to honor ”The Best Corporation” in each industry.

POSCO Tops in Steel Industry for Seven Consecutive Years

‘The Best Corporation’ survey was based on 220 companies of 47 industries, including 17 from manufacturing, 22 from service and 8 from public sector.  In this assessment, POSCO recorded a score of 78.1, which granted POSCO seven consecutive win as the steel industry’s best company since the initial start of KMAC’s annual reports in 2008.

This result shows that, POSCO has been successfully managing and investing in its employees despite of difficult business environments, locally and abroad. This effort, along with the seven-consecutive-year title as the industry’s leading company, will not only secure happiness amongst workers, but also contribute in achieving future corporate goals.

POSCO Selected in Top 3 in Manufacturing Sector

‘Best 30 Corporations’ were selected from a total of 101 candidates (Manufacturing Sector 50 Corporations · Service Industry 51 Corporations) and POSCO came in third on the list, following Samsung Electronics and Yuhan-Kimberly.

According to KMAC, POSCO ranked high on the list for various aspects, including excellent vision (3^rd), fair system in HR (3^rd), happy corporate culture (5^th), commitment of employees (4^th), and overall happiness level (3^rd).

This year’s reward is especially more meaningful since POSCO has earned recognition for its effort in enhancing working environments and satisfaction of the employees. In comparison with corporate evaluation from last year, POSCO stepped up from 9^th to 5^th and 4^th to 3^rd in ‘happy corporate culture’ and ‘overall happiness level’ category respectively.

POSCO’s Efforts to be ‘The Great Company to Work At’

1. Extended and Flexible Retirement Age 

Reflecting social trends and changes in the world, POSCO extended retirement age from 56 to 58 years old. Furthermore, POSCO has been boosting motivations of employees by adopting a salary peak system and hiring back retired employees.

2. Improvement in In-house Baby Care System 

POSCO made significant improvements in POSCO’s daycare center and other maternity-related policies, including, but not limited to, maternity leave up to 2 years, flexible working hours, and flexible leave of absence to support all employees to seek happiness and balance between work and home.

3. Expanding Opportunities in Employees’ Cultural and Leisure Life 

POSCO offers tickets, opportunities and access to various events, concerts, eco-friendly farming educational center POSCO ECOFARM, and other diverse recreational facilities where both employees and his/her family can interact and spend quality off-work time.

4. Please check out more for what else POSCO is doing for employees! (Please click the titles)

“POSCO, the Great Company to Work at” Episode #1 Training Future Global Leaders at POSCO

‘POSCO, the Great Company to Work at #2’-Building Global Competence: POSCO’s Global Human Resource Development Programs

‘POSCO, the Great Company to Work at #3′: The Health of Employees Represents the Company’s Power, POSCO’s Health Up Program!

POSCO Group University: Helping Employees in Overseas Offices to Become Global Leaders

POSCO Group University is dedicated to improving the abilities of the company’s employees working in both local and overseas offices. The goal of POSCO Group University is to lead these employees on the road to becoming global leaders. Among the programs that specifically aim to enhance the abilities of POSCO’s global colleagues are the POSCO Cultural Innovator Program and the Global Junior Executive Development Program. These programs invite overseas employees to the Global R&D Center located at Songdo, Incheon, during which the participants eat, sleep, and learn together for an intensive two weeks.

On June 30, 43 employees from 22 offices in 13 countries participated in the programs, with 22 in the Global Junior Executive Development Program and 21 in the Cultural Innovator Program. Shall we take a closer look at the curriculum that these 43 global talents experienced?

Be Proactive: POSCO Cultural Innovator Program

The POSCO Cultural Innovator Program trains employees to establish a localized education system that spreads POSCO’s unique values and corporate culture. Participants of the program return to their respective offices to actively implement new systems and plan and develop a unique culture of their own instead of simply relaying the contents provided during the program.

Having an interest for others is the first step in truly understanding different cultures. Participants of the Cultural Innovator Program had a chance to learn ways to solve problems and overcome disagreements caused by cultural misunderstanding. They also freely shared their experiences and hardships they had to overcome as employees working in an unfamiliar Korean culture.

Interview: Dominika Gracz / Team Leader / POSCO-PWPC (Poland)

I learned a lot about the process of executing a project. I’ll definitely have a better idea of managing a project when I go back to Poland. Also, it was a great opportunity to talk with people from other countries and share our different cultures and experiences. I think the networks we established during the program will be beneficial in exchanging work-related ideas and information in the future. 

Interview: Massimo Menghini / Sr. Manager / POSCO-ITPC S.P.A (Italy)

It was an opportunity to learn and improve together with colleagues from various different countries. Along with my global colleagues, I was able to learn how to manage projects and solve problems. Also, it’s my first time to visit POSCO HQ. I’m looking forward to going back and sharing with my colleagues at my office in Italy the unique POSCO culture I’ve experienced here.

Global Junior Executive Development Program

Through the Global Junior Executive Development Program, POSCO takes a proactive step in training its overseas junior executives to become global leaders of the future. Team leaders who participate in the program prepare to become exemplary managers by honing their leadership skills and practicing management problem-solving. Participants also experience firsthand real issues presented by the branch managers of each overseas office, an activity that strengthens management capabilities. Because of the high quality and benefits of the program, more and more overseas branch managers are looking for a chance to participate.

One of the main activities in the program is the Action Learning Mentoring session. Before arriving at Songdo, employees received from their office heads tasks related to overcoming cultural differences and enhancing leadership skills. Participants analyzed these tasks beforehand, and solved the problems through two weeks of Action Learning Mentoring.

Interview: Hyun-chul Bong / Professor & Program Instructor / Jeonbuk University School of Business

These people are potential future global leaders, so the learning sessions aimed to improve crucial management and leadership skills. Before coming to the program, the participants were given a wide array of unique individual tasks which covered product quality issues, productivity issues, and logistic issues. Although the participants are from different offices and factories, they were all able to relate to each other quite easily because in the end, the work they are doing are similar. It was wonderful to see them interacting with one another freely, giving advice and asking questions.

Interview: Hoang Anh Le / Team Leader / POSCO E&C VN (Vietnam)

We were able to solve many real problems we face at our respective offices thanks to the useful concepts and problem solving tools the professor provided us.

Learning the History of POSCO

After a week since the programs began, the participants were invited to a special tour of the history of POSCO. For many of them, it was the first time to visit the POSCO HQ and get a firsthand experience of the company. Leaded by a guide, the participants enjoyed a meaningful time learning about the history and corporate philosophy of POSCO.

Interview: Santosh Kumar / Sr. Manager / POSCO-India

The tour on the history of POSCO was very comprehensive; I learned not only about the history of the company but also about the history of the steel industry in Korea as well. There were a lot of resources about the late president Mr. Tae-jun Park. I respect him for founding such an impressive business and am proud to work here. POSCO is truly a great company.

Epilogue: Completion Ceremony

The participants of the POSCO Cultural Innovator Program and the Global Junior Executive Development Program gathered at the conference hall where they first met each other two weeks ago. The 43 participants congratulated one another as they received a certificate to commemorate the completion of the intensive programs.

Interview: Brett McCleary / Manager / POSCO-AAPC (US)

It was a very meaningful experience: I learned a lot about POSCO core values and the history of POSCO which was very interesting to me. I also learned a lot of different HRD strategies that I can use when I go back to my home country. It frankly is kind of a relief; it was a lot of work! But it was very enjoyable to meet some great people and learn a little about everybody’s culture, and I feel that’s going to help me when I go back to deal with the different cultures that we do have at our office.

Interview: Potjaman Khongthon / Associate / POSCO-Thainox (Thailand)

The presentation skills to be an insightful instructor would be good for me because I will go back and give a lecture for my colleagues at my office in Thailand. I think I can be a better instructor because I have learned new techniques, and I am thankful for the company for providing me with such a great opportunity. The conversations I had with my global colleagues will definitely belong with me for a long time.

POSCO is taking active steps to train future global leaders through a systematic training program.  We hope to see our global employees go back to their countries and continue their efforts to make POSCO a truly global company. Please look forward for many other efforts that POSCO is making in order to become a great company to work at!

The first episode of the “POSCO, the Great Company to Work at” series will highlight the POSCO Toastmasters Club.

Toastmasters Club: Onwards to Being a Global Leader!

POSCO provides a supportive and opportune environment for any ambitious employee who is striving to become true global leaders. One of the great ways of training employees is the Toastmasters club. Established in December 2011, the POSCO Toastmasters club is an English speech and leadership club focused on improving employees’ public speaking and organizational skills. The name of the club is used to describe a leader or presenter of a meeting and symbolizes its aim to develop individuals through targeted activities involving communication and leadership. The POSCO Toastmasters club’s regular Wednesday lunch meetings give each member a chance to speak in front of an audience and brings them one step closer to becoming an effective public speaker and leader.  The club is open not limited to POSCO employees; in fact, anybody who aspires to improve their English, verbal communication, and leadership skills are welcome with open arms. Come meet us!

The mission of the POSCO Toastmasters club is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

What Makes a Toastmasters Club Special?

The POSCO Toastmasters club’s strength is its program and curriculum. Each member is given a different role to perform every week. These tasks add up and eventually have each member perform more than 8 different practical exercises more than once. As shown in the image below, the club meetings delegate functionary roles following a fixed order:

When a member successfully completes the curriculums outlined below, he/she earns a Competent Communicator (CC) certificate from Toastmasters International to recognize their accomplishements. Additionally, when a member performs various roles, including Toastmaster, Table Topics master, and evaluator; and helps organize the club’s meetings and education procedures, his/her achievements are recognized with the Competent Leader (CL) certificate. The education and leadership opportunities do not stop there, as the CC and CL awardees then proceed to further improve their skills through an Advanced Communicator and Advanced Leadership track.

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Curriculum

#1 The Ice Breaker: The first speech is, of course, about yourself!

#2 Organize Your Speech: Practice making a well-organized, coherent speech

#3 Get to the Point: Learn how to convey the key message by dividing the content into general and specific

#4 How to Say It: Choosing the right words and expressions depending on the nature of the speech

#5 Your Body Speaks: Practice effective gestures and body language

#6 Vocal Variety: Experiment with speech tone, pace, and vocal devices

#7 Research Your Topic: Give a trustworthy speech that has sufficient research and evidence

#8 Get Comfortable with Visual Aids: Practice integrating visual aids for a more effective speech

#9 Persuade with Power: Provide clear and coherent logic to effectively persuade the audience

#10 Inspire Your Audience: The final CC speech to apply all the skills gained in the first 9 projects

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Boost Up Skills with Fun Activities

In the POSCO Toastmasters club, we don’t simply follow the curriculum but also provide room for improvement in abilities through various entertaining team activities. Let’s look at some examples of the fun stuff we have done in our club.

Speech Contests

In order to help overcome nervousness when speaking English and to promote friendship among members, the POSCO Toastmasters club recently held a Humorous Speech contest. The contest provides opportunities for the members to share their personal stories, such as “the scariest moment in my life,” in a fun and playful manner. The winner of the club’s speech contest went on to compete with other Toastmasters clubs’ winners, each delivering their speech with humor and joyful charm.

In addition to Humorous Speech contests, there are other types of exciting challenges. This includes the International Speech contest. This particular contest is held once every year and provides a great opportunity to share experiences, improve communication abilities, and develop speech delivery skills while overcoming the fear of speaking in front of a large audience. Winners of our club contest, such as Mr. Jaekyung Park or Ms. Anna Kim, went on to compete at the Area (4 clubs) and Division (more than 15 clubs) level speech contests. Mr. Park won the challenge with the topic of “What are the factors that Korea is globally known for?”

The club not only helps to master English skills, but also creates an environment to meet new people through auction events, skating, picnic at Han River, and other fun activities!

What Team Members Say

Igor: “Time is limited; opportunities are unlimited”

Hi! I was raised in Ukraine and came to Korea in 2008 when I was twenty-one years old. I received a Master’s degree in POSTECH and joined POSCO’s Investment team in 2010. My undergraduate and graduate majors were in metallurgy, and like most engineers, I had problems with public speaking and leadership. While looking for opportunities to develop my speaking and leadership skills, I met Mr. Jaekyung Park who had just returned from Hong Kong with an idea to establish a speech and leadership club called Toastmasters. I have been inspired by his vision, and helped establish POSCO Toastmasters, eventually taking a lead as a club president.

Every Toastmasters meeting is a great opportunity to meet new people, overcome the fear of public speaking, and train task solving skills by taking on leadership roles. The key difference from other clubs is that in Toastmasters I get to receive honest and unbiased feedback from fellow members, so I know what to work on next time. All of my friends and coworkers noticed that I have become more confident about speaking in front of an audience. I can now deliver quality presentations and speeches with ease. In addition to improvements in my speaking skills, I feel like I became better at managing tasks and social connections. I served as an officer in POSCO Toastmasters and organized various events such as speech contests and conferences. I feel that my experience in the Toastmasters club has aided in my promotion to the manager level. Toastmasters is unique because it is a global network of clubs with very motivated and talented people. Your future path is not limited within the boundaries of the club: if you become a skilled speaker, you get to take part in speech contests where you can advance up to the International Speech Contest in the USA. To become a strong leader, you need to take on many leadership challenges and serve as a club, area, division or even district officer, helping others in establishing their own success stories.

Anna: “Inspire yourself through public speaking!”

Hello everyone, my name is Anna Kim from Uzbekistan and I joined POSCO in October 2010. Currently, I am working in the Steel Investments and Technology Planning Department. I have been one of the founding members of POSCO Toastmasters and the vice president of public relations since December of 2011. First of all, by being a member of this club you can improve your English public speaking skills. Furthermore, you can develop leadership qualities by organizing speech contests and events. Finally, you get to meet a wide range of people with various backgrounds and experiences. It is a great opportunity to expand your network and enjoy inspiring and informative speeches.

Yevgeniya, ”Training to become a Global Leader while building a unique network!”

Hi there, I’m Yevgeniya Li from Kazakhstan. In 2010 I got a scholarship from POSCO TJ Park Foundation, and after graduating from Yonsei Graduate School of International Studies, I’ve joined POSCO in October 2012. I am also an active member of the POSCO Toastmasters club, taking a position of the vice president education from July 1^st. The club is great because it is not simply about practicing English and public speaking skills; the club gives its members a great opportunity to become an effective communicator through professional guidelines, training material, and peer evaluation. The weekly meetings help to develop a wide range of crucial skills including leadership, time management, critical thinking, and impromptu conversation. Members are not limited within the boundaries of POSCO, so you get to build a unique, expansive network. And besides, the club is always a lot of fun!

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poscotm

Website: http://posco.toastmastersclubs.org/

Can you feel the enthusiasm and ambition of POSCO employees to become global leaders? The “POSCO, Great Company to Work” series will continue to introduce many other exciting opportunities that the company offers to its employees. Stay tuned!

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◈ What is ‘POSCO Global Volunteer Week’ ?

The Global Volunteer Week, starting in 2010, is hosted to settle in sharing as a corporate culture within POSCO, as a global corporate citizen, and is POSCO`s unique social contribution activity to globally increase POSCO Family`s sense of belonging and pride.

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In Korea, POSCO employees engaged in various volunteer work: Some helped agricultural communities in Pohang and Gwangyang, while others participated in building homes with Habitat for Humanity and in ‘Clean Ocean Volunteers’, POSCO’s sea environment preservation volunteer initiative. Some also volunteered to preserve our cultural heritage at Gyeoungju, a city of much historical significance. CEO Kwon Ohjoon also volunteered to deliver lunch boxes to neglected elders living alone at permanent rental housing for the poor.

Now, let’s have a look at what POSCO employees around the globe did to help their local communities in this 2014 POSCO Global Volunteer Week!

Indonesia Krakatau: Repairing Schools and Religious Facilities

[POSCO Indonesia team helped repair schools and religious facilities]

POSCO employees at Krakatau, Indonesia visited local schools and religious sites to help improve the conditions by cleaning, painting and repairing the buildings. Props to team Indonesia!

China Qingdao: Warmhearted Caring for Deaf Children

[POSCO China had a meaningful time with deaf children]

In China, POSCO employees cared for deaf children and helped improve the living conditions of ethnic Koreans.

Malaysia MKPC: Remodeling Welfare Center for the Elderly

[Employees at POSCO Malaysia helped remodel a welfare center for the elderly]

POSCO Employees at Malaysia MKPC pulled up their sleeves to remodel a nearby center for senior citizens and clean up local schools. Kudos to POSCO Malaysia for their hard work in spreading love to the community!

POSCO Japan – Cleaning the Streets & Bazaar Event

[POSCO Japan employees cleaned the streets around Nagoya Castle]

POSCO Japan employees cleaned up the area around Nagoya Castle and Arakawa River. They also held a bazaar event for the physically challenged. “I had a meaningful time aiding and caring for the physically challenged during the bazaar event. I’m looking forward to more opportunities to do volunteer work,” said Takimoto Mami, a JEPC employee who participated in the event. “It makes me feel happy and proud to be a part of POSCO when I see my fellow employees actively participate in volunteer work year after year,” said Jung Min Kim, a JEPC employee who oversees global volunteer work.

POSCO Vietnam: Charity Kitchen

Also, POSCO Vietnam employees helped out a charity kitchen run by a nearby hospital. They delivered the food to people living in poverty-stricken areas. Aren’t you hungry for more interesting episodes? Hello, POSCO blog’s next post will be a close-up story of the Vietnam volunteer work experience with commentaries from POSCO Vietnam employee. Stay tuned!

The POSCO global family had a meaningful time in their respective locations during 2014 POSCO Global Volunteer Week. POSCO will continue its efforts to spread the love as a responsible corporate citizen.