Joy at Work with Author/ Businessman Dennis W. Bakke – Emotional Pro
April 12th, 2005
Dennis Bakke’s goal as head of his multi-billion dollar energy corporation is to make one decision per year. He advocates everyone in the business do the same, with the proviso that they get advice prior to implementation. Assumptions he makes about people who work with him (at all skill levels and functions) include: They are 1) accountable and responsible for their decisions and actions; 2) fallible; we make mistakes, sometimes on purpose; 3)unique; 4)people who want to use our talents and skills to make a positive contribution to the organization and the world; and 5) creative, thoughtful, trustworthy adults, capable of making important decisions. He’s here on FPL to explore assumptions, principles and values he has followed as has found the way to return to having "Joy at Work."
Segment 1: Work as Community–What Is Every Worker’s Part?
Bakke talks about the four principles underlying The AES Corporation, the multinational energy corporation he co-founded and operated as CEO from 1994-2002. Work should be "community," not jail! He discusses innovative practices such as "the Advice process" and decision-making.
Segment 2: Humility, Love, Joy—and Other Corporate Emotions!
Unusual to think about emotions connected to corporations, isn’t it? Dennis Bakke talks about the need for humility as a corporate leader, the underlying willingness to love our world and the people who work with us, which make it possible for working people (of all descriptions) to give up their "fun at work," on occasion, in order to be a "steward" to the community effort.
Segment 3: Communication, Decision Making and Responsibility
How do the four principles of Integrity, Justice, Social Responsibility and Fun affect corporate practices like communication, decisions and worker compensation? You’ll be surprised at Dennis Bakke’s ideas, which take corporations in the direction of treating everyone with dignity, respect, and as if they "have what it takes" to do the job. Hear him answer the caller question about levels of vulnerability experienced by CEO’s.
