Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results, by Stephen C. Lundin Ph.D., Harry Paul, and John Christensen. www.Hyperionbook.com
Book Review by Adrie Roberts, Utah State University.
After using the motivational movie "Fish!" several times in my programming, I was delighted to see that they have written a book about the principles described in the movie.
This powerful book describes the attitudes of Seattle's world famous "Pike Place Fish Market". This unbelievably successful fish market credits its success to its "fun, bustling, joyful, atmosphere and great customer service."
It is commonplace to see large fish flying through the air thrown by a worker clad in a white apron and black rubber boots. As he shouts "one salmon flying away to Minnesota", all the other workers repeat after him "one salmon flying away to Minnesota!" The worker behind the counter makes an unbelievable one-handed catch, and then bows his head to the people applauding his skill. Another worker is playfully teasing a small boy by making a large fish move its mouth as if it were talking. The place is wild!
The "Pike Place Fish" market has learned to run its business by four basic rules:
Choose Your Attitude: The fish guys are aware that they choose their attitude each day. Their motto is: "When you are doing what you are doing, who are you being? Are you being impatient and bored, or are you being world famous? You are going to act differently if you are being world famous." Who do we want to be while we do our work?
Play: The fish guys include fun while they work, and fun is energizing. How could we have more fun and create more energy? Fun at work can lead to creativity. The time passes quickly. Having a good time is healthy. Work becomes a reward and not just a way to rewards. Happy people treat others well.
Make Their Day: The fish guys include the customers in their good time. They engage their customers in ways which create energy and goodwill. It is good for business. Who are our customers and how can we engage them in a way that will make their day? How could we make each other's days?
Be Present: The fish guys are fully present at work. What can they teach us about being present for each other and our customers/clientele?
A quote from the book that I particularly enjoyed was the following:
Our Workplace
As you enter this place of work, please choose to make today a great day. Your colleagues, customers/clientele, team members and you yourself will be thankful. Find ways to play. We can be serious about our work without being serious about ourselves. Stay focused in order to be present when your customers and team members most need you. And should you feel your energy lapsing, try this surefire remedy: Find someone who needs a helping hand, a word of support, or a good ear - and make their day.
If we can apply the principles in this book to our leadership skills, we would be more successful and enjoy the process much more.