Westgate employees kicked off the new fiscal year with a clever activity.

Employees were split into teams and rushed into working on a puzzle, without any instructions or even a picture of what the completed puzzle would look like. The teams were also told they couldn’t talk and given only three minutes to finish putting the puzzle together. Of course, that didn’t lead to success. So then they took things more slowly, received instructions and a picture of the completed puzzle, and were encouraged to talk things through.

“It was great seeing the difference in the energy in the room once teams were given the tools needed to complete the common goal — just like North Shore Bank gives us the tools we need through great training, products, and connections,” branch manager Julie Goebel said. “The winning team encouraged the runners-up to finish their puzzles and helped them along the way. We have an amazing team!”

Pictured up top working on their puzzle are teller supervisor Lisa Gagliardi and personal banker Rodney Whiteside. Above, leaning into the “Be a Hero” theme, are tellers Jessica Cranley and Patti Jardina, Julie, and Rodney and Lisa.