Yep, there still is the legendary sign saying, “Caution: Low Flying Fish“ at a world famous boot at the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington.
People from all over the world, myself included, go there to buy fresh salmon and to watch the show when the Pike´s Fishmongers toss fish around, expertly wrap it, give it to customers, and the audience cheers. The energy is contagious. The employees love working there and obviously enjoy creating unforgettable shopping experiences.
The fish guys inspired what has become the renowned FiSH! Philosophy. Although developed already 15 years ago by John Christensen and his company Chart House Learning, it is more relevant than ever.
It´s centered around the following four ideas: choosing one’s attitude, playing at work, make someone’s day, and being present. It is commonly used to improve what is referred to as the “culture” of an organization.
FOUR SIMPLE AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PARTS
- Be There
Pay attention. Take care of the person in front of you. Employees who are engaged in their work only focus on the job at hand. They are there to do good work and they are there for someone else. Right now, in that very precise moment. - Play
Have fun at work. Don´t take yourself, others, and your work too serious. Some humor can´t hurt. The more you play, the more creative and bold you become. And the more you enjoy yourself, the more you make others enjoy the experience, too. - Make Their Day
Engage your customers. Make them part of the fun. Surprise them. Appreciate them. Excite them. There are unlimited creative and inexpensive ways to brighten someone’s day. Start with a smile. Making their day will make yours, too. - Choose Your Attitude
That´s the central element of FiSH! You can choose your attitude the same way you choose the pants you decide to wear every morning. Bad things happen all the time. That´s reality. However, how we react to them is our own choice. Are you going to laugh or to shout about something bad? You can make it better or worse. You gotta choose.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Swinging salmon has been elevated to one of the first and most successful global motivation philosophies. The FiSH! ideology and technique makes individuals alert and active in the workplace. As such it´s an ever popular topic. One of the most crucial elements of successful companies and teams.
Best regards,
Andreas von der Heydt
Twitter: @avonderheydt