Here's another management parable that draws its lesson from an unlikely source--this time it's the fun-loving fishmongers at Seattle's Pike Place Market. In Fish! the heroine, Mary Jane Ramirez, recently widowed and mother of two, is asked to engineer a turnaround of her company's troubled operations department, a group that authors Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen describe as a "toxic energy dump." Most reasonable heads would cut their losses and move on. Why bother with this bunch of losers? But the authors don't make it so easy for Mary Jane. Instead, she's left to sort out this mess with the help of head fishmonger Lonnie. Based on a bestselling corporate education video, Fish! aims to help employees find their way to a fun and happy workplace. While some may find the story line and prescriptions--such as "Choose Your Attitude," "Make Their Day," and "Be Present"--downright corny, others will find a good dose of worthwhile motivational management techniques. If you loved Who Moved My Cheese? then you'll find much to like here. And don't worry about Mary Jane and kids. Fish! has a happy ending for everyone. --Harry C. Edwards
Nice idea but overpriced (Rating 2 of 5)
» Chris Palmer
The concept for this book is reasonably good, but can be boiled down:
1) Choose your attitude - you can either be happy or miserable at the office. The work stays the same whether you're cheery or not.
2) Play. Have a bit of a play at the office.
3) Make their day. Do something every day which will be the best part of someone else's day.
4) Be present. Don't be thinking about your holiday or last night's TV when you could be fully focussed on work. Interact with people.
Beyond that, it's a 45min read about how one woman implemented this into her company and even that isn't hugely rewarding as the book stops at the point she implements these techniques.
The Choice is Yours (Rating 5 of 5)
» Susan Donlon
In a simple easy to read story "Fish" is about igniting passion into your work environment that can spill over into all aspects of your life. The "Fish Philosophy" is based on a few simple ideas that can transform your daily grind of a nine to five workday into an enriching, easy and yes, even a fun time at the office.
I work at a large financial firm and currently am heading a team that is focused on creating a new work procedure that has never been applied in our office previously. The creative start up process can be challenging but the team we have assembled for the work is up to the challenge and eager to be a part of something that will have an impact on the firm overall. I am so glad I read "Fish" in that I can share with my team the insights I've learned so that our work together can be productive, successful and yes here it is again...fun.
If you found "Fish" to be inspiring and enlightening, I highly recommend reading any of Ariel and Shya Kane's books called "Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment", "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation" or "How To Create a Magical Relationship." All of the Kane's books impart insights and ways into living a life that is meaningful, satisfying and joyful.
Working in a place where you smile often...how cool is that? Can you imagine living a life where you smile often? It's definitely possible.
Fish - the video and now book (Rating 4 of 5)
» Karl Grocock
For those that have seen the video the book will not add anything. However for managers to re-visit some of their core beliefs about why they manage and what they want to achieve this book is a good refresher.
Simple easy one night read - and then pass it on.
Good core messages, watch out for that corn! (Rating 5 of 5)
» CS
A good book with good core messages. These messages are generally about how to motivate a team to create a high performace team. The book contains various easy to implement ideas about getting more performance from your team. The book is written in a storybook style rather than textboook style, making it very easy (and quick) to read. The book is corny in places. Many people you work with each day will have read this book - only by reading it yourself will you be able to understand what they are talking about when they talk about the book.
Yet another way for managers to make the staff's life a living hell. (Rating 1 of 5)
» J. Morris
Yes, that's right, the way to improve your staff's morale is to treat them like a bunch of 12 year olds... "You chose your attitude" is simply a way for management to blame disgruntled employees for their own poor management. The suggestion to make your work "FUN", when some work that needs doing simply ISN'T "FUN", is the most patronising thing I've ever heard.
This stuff is dangerous in the hands of impressionable and immature people such as management!
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