Go Fish! Using the “Fish” Philosophy to Build Staff Morale and Address Today’s Most Pressing Work Issues.

Catch the Energy People are afraid of the future, of the unknown. If a man faces up to it, and takes the dare of the future, he can have some control over his destiny. That’s an exciting idea to me, better than waiting with everybody else to see what’s going to happen. ---John Glenn

Love What You Do “Fish!” is based on Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, WA.. Over 75% of adult wake time is spent doing work-related activities People ought to enjoy work and be energized by it. “Fish!” motivates employees. People like to work in an environment that is fun, energizing, and where they can make a difference. The “Fish!” philosophy benefits every employee because it prevents burnout and keeps him/her excited about what he/she does.

FISH! “Fish!” is a parable , an invented story about finding the deep source of energy, creativity, and passion that exists inside each of us by learning to love what we do, even if at the moment we may not be doing exactly what we love.

Four Cornerstones of “Fish!” Choose Your Attitude Play Make Their Day Be Present/Be There

Choose Your Attitude There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself. Call a meeting and speak from the heart. Find a message that communicates the notion of choosing your attitude in a way that everyone will understand and personalize. Provide motivation. Persist with faith. By accepting that you choose your attitude, you demonstrate a level of personal accountability and proactivity. Bring your best self to work and love the work you do.

Play Have fun while you work. Happy people treat others well. Fun leads to creativity. Having a good time is healthy. Work becomes a reward and not just a way to rewards. Have a good time in a respectful manner.

Make Their Day Engage people and welcome them to join in. Be inclusive. Focus your attention on ways to make another person’s day positive. Create goodwill and energy. Take your mind away from your own problems and make a positive difference for others.

Be There/Be Present Be fully engaged in your work. Take time to “smell the roses”. Make the most of each day. Let life have dignity and meaning for you. Support your colleagues with a kind word, gesture, deed, or shoulder to lean on.

Our Workplace As you enter this place of work, please choose to make today a great day. Your colleagues, customers, team members, and you yourself will be thankful. Find ways to play. We can be serious about ourselves. Stay focused in order to be present when your team members most need you. And should you feel your energy lapsing, try this sure fire remedy: Find someone who needs a helping hand, a word of support, or a good ear,---and make their day.

Suggested Activities Give “fish” trinkets (i.e. key chains, pencils, cups, toys). Paint a “fish tank” parking spot reserved for the staff member who was “present” for others. Have off site activities (i.e bowling, theater, happy hour, team sports). Start each staff meeting with sharing and networking (also bring food!). Set up bulletin boards to praise each other. Use morning announcements. Have secret pals. Do random acts of kindness for one another. Remind each other when they’re slipping that they need to “go fishing”. Take time each day for yourself.

“Fish!” Resources 1. Books: Fish!; Fish! Tales; and Fish! Sticks All three titles by Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen, and Harry Paul Web Address; www.fishphilosophy.com Phone: 1-800-328-3789 (ChartHouse Learning) Fish Trinkets: Oriental Trading Company www.orientaltrading.com or 1-800-228-2269

Conclusion Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.