Making Work Fun With The FISH Philosophy
Marylee Abrams and I attended an excellent seminar yesterday presented by Jay Larson, about the FISH Philosophy. The FISH Philosophy was developed or maybe more accurately, discovered by ChartHouse Learning, a documentary film company, who made a film about the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. What they discovered was a group of fish mongers who took a tedious and dirty job selling dead things from the ocean, and made it fun and entertaining. By doing so, not only have they made work more enjoyable, but customers and browsers alike have a wonderful experience and return for more. The result has been increased sales and great public relations for the Pike Place Fish Market.
The FISH Philosophy has four principles, designed to provide a different way to show up to work.
- Play: Make work fun. Encourage creativity. Be enthusiastic. Anything can be boring if you make it boring, so make the commitment to make your workplace more fun and more like play. Tap into natural creativity. Be child-like, not childish.
- Make Their Day: Find special ways to connect with everyone you encounter for no reason than to brighten their day. Share a cup of coffee, ask about someone’s weekend, share a joke. If employees love their job it is going to show through to others. Encourage your employees to interact and connect with the people who come to your place of business, whether it is the mailperson, delivery person, customers or other coworkers.
- Be There: Be physically and emotionally present for people, especially when they need you. It’s a powerful message that strengthens relationships. Be present in the moments you are dealing with customers, employees, or others.
- Choose Your Attitude: No matter the situation, take the responsibility for consciously choosing how you want to show up in the world. Every person has the choice each minute of each day to choose their attitude. Choose a good attitude.
If you conclude you can’t throw fish, shout out customer orders, or play jokes at your business, you are missing the point. The four principles are all about engaging employees, providing exceptional service to customers, and exploring how to make your business more successful. The principles can apply to any business with a little thought and creativity.
By encouraging your employees to follow the four principles of the FISH Philosophy you are likely going to see increased productivity, happier employees, and happier customers, which can result in more $$$$$ and business growth.
