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JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has doubled down on the importance of maintaining strong workplace culture through tough leadership decisions, including firing toxic employees and rejecting remote work as a long-term solution for most organisations.
Speaking at the Databricks Data & AI Summit, Dimon said fostering a high-performing and inclusive work environment requires a combination of discipline, humanity and, in some cases, decisive action.
"You should fire the assholes," Dimon said, to loud applause from the audience. "It only takes a few of 'em to destroy a meeting."
His remarks came in response to a question about how leaders can prepare future generations to lead in a world shaped by AI, digital distractions and remote work. Dimon said the first step is a “constant and honest assessment” of all aspects of an organisation, from customer relationships to internal culture, and then acting on what is found.
"You have to go out of your way to get the best of people, and it's amazing, if you do, what that does, for a country, a university, a company, if you create that environment," he said.
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Importantly, Dimon clarified that this approach doesn’t just apply to staff but also to clients who mistreat employees.
"I hate to say this, but sometimes those assholes include customers. I have fired customers because they are so rude to our people. And I tell our people that, if I allow that to happen, just think of what you'd think."
"Just take your energy and put it to someone who actually wants your benefits."
According to Dimon, allowing abusive behaviour, whether internal or external, damages employee morale and undermines productivity.
"This approach to creating an inclusive work environment is crucial to ensuring employees feel treated with trust and respect," he said. That way, "they can contribute to the company to the best of their ability."
Performance and leadership under pressure
Dimon also highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards and effort across every level of an organisation. Drawing comparisons to professional athletes, he said leaders must model discipline and commitment.
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"If you want to be a winner in this world, you've got to give it your all," he said.
"And if you can't, there's nothing wrong with you, but you shouldn't be the boss anymore."
Remote work still under fire
Dimon used the opportunity to reiterate his long-standing criticism of remote work. While many companies have shifted toward flexible arrangements, the JPMorgan CEO continues to argue that in-person interaction is essential for collaboration, mentoring and honest feedback.
"It's hard to manage people remotely," he said. "Much easier to have real honest conversations if I'm sitting in front of you."
He added that being physically present enables stronger focus and more productive interactions.
"When you're with me, you get a hundred percent of my attention, a hundred percent of the time."
Kevin Epley