FISH! Philosophy

I just finished reading a classic business book entitled FISH! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results. It’s a fictional book, but describes the philosophy of the people at the World famous Pike Place Fish Market. This fish market is not an ordinary fish market thanks to the fish mongers that work there.  They changed their attitude about their work and have in effect made their wet, cold, smelly, and slippery market into a place of entertainment and joy for customers.  Now if these guys can do that, so can you!

Whether you are in a job that you don’t necessarily enjoy, but it is one that you need, or you do not have a job and need some direction, the “fish guys” have words of wisdom for you.

The Fish philosophy is about enjoyment on the job, how to get the most out of your job, and how to bring energy to the workplace.  How do you achieve this?

1. Choose your attitude – this may be an overused phrase, but it’s true, give it a shot one day and see how things go.  Wake up and say, “Today I will be _________” fill in the blank (successful, helpful, hopeful).
2. Be engaged and live in the present.
3. Make “Their” day.  To make someone’s day will make you feel good and help you realize the impact each and every one of us can have on another person.  We are all so very connected if you take the time to notice.

“There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself,” (FISH!, S. Lundin, H. Paul, & J. Christensen)

And someday, you may have a choice about the work itself if you stick to this philosophy.  If you are one of the lucky ones who isn’t stuck on a job, take the time to think about what you would love to do and in what job you could be engaged, in the present, and able to make someone’s day everyday.