Fish!

Fish!

Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results. - Brief Article - Review - book review
By Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., Harry Paul and John Christensen
Hyperion, 2000,
112 pages,
Fish! is a parable about how four I ideals--choosing your attitude, playing at work, making a customer's day and being present (not daydreaming or doing another task)--can create an enjoyable, productive workplace. The book teaches how to love what you do, even while not doing exactly what you love.
Fish! was written by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., Harry Paul and John Christensen. Lundin is a filmmaker with the Institute for Management Studies. Paul is a senior vice president with The Ken Blanchard Companies (One Minute Manager). Christensen is an award-winning filmmaker and CEO of ChartHouse Learning Corporation.
The lessons are couched in a fable about Mary Jane Ramirez at First Guarantee Financial, a fictional company in Seattle. A widow with children, Mary Jane is offered a promotion and raise to manage "the third floor employees," who have a reputation for being the "toxic energy dump" of the organization. Mary Jane reluctantly accepts the position for the increased pay and benefits. She faces the daunting task of turning the department around or having it downsized.
As she looks for answers, she visits Seattle's real (and world-famous) Pike Place Fish Market. The "fish guys" throw and catch fish, shout and laugh as they serve customers--and include buyers in the fun. While they play and entertain, they give remarkable customer service.
Mary Jane asks one of the fish guys, Lonnie, to share the secrets of the market's success. She builds a relationship with him, and his advice helps her to nurse her department at First Guarantee back to health and to create a team spirit that saves the staff members' jobs.
Of the four ideals for improving results, "choosing your attitude" is the foundation for the other three. According to Mary Jane, "There is always a choice about the...

Similar Essays