Coming back from Seattle recently for my work at Microsoft, I’ve discovered and read a great book called FISH! (Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, John Christensen)
Fish! is written in a parable (short story using fictional characters) format, reminiscent of the style apparent in the classic, bestseller The One Minute Manager.
The goal of the FISH Philosophy is to learn how to boost morale and improve operational results in a business organization. As the authors put it “Enclosed are the keys to creating an innovative and accountable work environment where a playful, attentive, and engaging attitude leads to more energy, enthusiasm, productivity, and creativity.”
The four key points of the philosophy are:
- Play – have fun and create energy at home or at the office.
- Make their day – how can you engage fellow employees, customers and make each other’s day?
- Be Present – How can you make sure you are fully available and aware during conversations with people? It is about create a greater sense of intimacy between individuals.
- Choose Your Attitude – Each day you choose how you are going to act or which “side of the bed” you wake up on. The choice is yours and, the way you act, affects others.
The FISH! Philosophy® emerged in 1998 from the film, FISH! Catch the Energy, Release the Potential, produced by John Christensen
This film (see below) is about the Seattle’s world-famous Pike Place Fish Market.
What John captured and translated into film was that even in a workplace where fishmongers spent stinky, grueling 12-hour shifts stocking, selling and packing fish, remarkable results can occur when people accept the invitation to:1) Play; 2) Make someone’s day ; 3) Be There for their coworkers and customers; 4) Choose their attitude about how they show up for work.
Md Consulting 
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