By: Don Kasle

Don Kasle — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 18:06:09 +0000

Dave — Great Article. As a former CEO (of 3 different banking organizations), I had a number of procedures in place to try to create that “fun atmosphere” you are referencing. {Notice I did not say “rules” or “policies” — but rather “procedures.”) First, we spent both time and money celebrating our successes. I made it a point to always be there to support whatever department(s) were having a celebration. Second, we went out of our way to publicly “catch people doing something right” (to quote the One Minute Manager). Third, we encouraged creativity and enterprise by allowing and encouraging our staff (never called them “employees) to take charge of implementing tasks and activities. Finally, and it was a little point, but set an important tone — no one of our 1,200 staff members was allowed to call me Mr. Kasle. It was always “Don” regardless of the level of the staff member. Needless to say, none of the other senior staff members went by last names either — setting a more collegial environment. Something had to work right, because when I was CEO of the Dayton, Ohio affiliate of Bank One, of the 8 Large Bank Affiliates in Bank One Corporation, we were the top performing bank 5 years in a row. I think our culture helped insure that record achievement.

By: Kelli Nakayama

Kelli Nakayama — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 17:34:20 +0000

I couldn’t agree more – it is so energizing to work amongst colleagues that you enjoy being around and can share a few laughs together each day. In addition to creativity, that type of environment fosters trust, collaboration, and all-around job satisfaction. Thank you for reminding us to lighten it up from time to time!

Comments on: Can we have fun while doing serious work?

By: Don Kasle

By: Kelli Nakayama