Joy at Work: A Unique Organizational Approach at Imagine Schools

Before starting Imagine Schools, President and CEO Dennis Bakke was successful in both government and business.  Dennis started his career in government and held positions in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. After serving as Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration, he co-founded AES in 1981.  AES grew from a start-up to the largest global power company, with power plants in over twenty countries on five continents.

At AES, Dennis developed a unique organizational philosophy.  By giving decisions to employees who were closest to the problem, AES both improved decision-making and resulted in high levels of employee satisfaction and dedication.  This approach has been featured in the business press (e.g. Forbes) and in case studies at Harvard and other leading business schools.  After leaving AES, Dennis published Joy at Work, a business best-seller about this approach.

The story of Imagine Schools began with Dennis' desire to apply the work philosophy to the education field. Aiming to produce change in public education, the Imagine culture centers around putting responsibility and decision-making power in the hands of principals and teachers.  The Shared Value of Fun at Imagine Schools - decentralized leadership, freedom with responsibility, utilizing each person's gifts to their maximum, and giving decision-making power to people closest to the action - is a new concept in the world of public education. This approach empowers teachers and staff and gives them the freedom and flexibility to apply the best learning models to meet each student's unique needs.

For more information about the Joy at Work philosophy, to access resources, and/or to order a copy of the book, visit www.dennisbakke.com.