Webster defines Club as being a group of people organized for
a common purpose.
The Clowns are a group of ex-bank managers and officers whose purpose is to maintain contact
with each other. The primary method of contact is through e-mail and occasionally through social gatherings.
LINKING
Webster defines Linking as a tie or bond.
The Clowns all share a past association with a common employer. This common employer was
a local bank that in spite of its large size endeavored to render excellent service. The employees were much like a
close family and working in the organization was enjoyable. To be sure there were deadlines and targets and all of the
pressures one would expect in a profit making enterprise, but we looked forward to coming to work because most of the people
were like family while also professional. In the late 1980s, due to executive management turnover, the culture of the
organization began to change and subsequently deteriorated substantially. The Clowns lived and worked through this downturn,
and this period, like the prior years, served to create the bond that all of the Clowns share. The bank no longer exists
in name as it was bought and the name changed.
OLD
Webster defines Old several different ways. Wise; mature is one.
Another is belonging to or being of an earlier time. Still another is far advanced in years of life.
The Clowns have most of these attributes certainly in the collective sense if not individually.
All of the Clowns had many years of seniority with the bank and had varying levels of accomplishment. They are all old
and most are retired today but some still continue with employment on other fronts.
WARHORSES
Webster defines Warhorses as informal ones who have been through many struggles.
Each Clown certainly was a warhorse by this definition. In their business environment they were
all chargers and highly capable. They faced many struggles during their tenure with the bank, particularly after the
downturn in the bank's culture.
NEEDING
Webster defines Needing as a lack of something required or desirable.
The Clowns are self-starters. They require only the basics to move forward. They desire
the company of others like them.
STIMULATION
Webster defines Stimulation as roused activity or heightened action; excitement.
Today, the Clowns try to avoid too much stimulation; most are retired and lead a much slower lifestyle
than in days gone by. They watch the market and lament the performance of the bank's stock. They observe the poor
service rendered by their former institution and each of them has the ability, if not the energy, to identify changes that
would enhance that service. They are self-starters. They have faced many struggles. They have accomplished
much.
It's time for a nap.
