After he had finished speaking, Jesus said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”

Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing…

…but at your command, I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great

number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking.

Simon Peter saw this, and he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord! I am a sinful man!”

-- Luke 5:4-9

COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION:USING THE FISH! PHILOSOPHY

WHY THE FISH! PHILOSOPHY?

Are you on a continuous search for creating a better workplace?

Do you believe you should not settle for anything less than doing what you love?

Do you tell yourself that life is too short to spend your working hours doing anything less than the ideal?

ARE YOU IN A “TOXIC ENERGY DUMP?”

Any job no matter how big or small can become boring, and yet can be done with energy and enthusiasm if you do something about the culture of the workplace!

Is the energy and morale in your organization so low that it pulls down everyone?

Are outside circumstances making themselves felt in the organization?

A NOTE ABOUT THE RECESSION

1981-82 Stagflation hits, taking a toll on Rust Belt industries in particular.

JOBS -2.7M JOBLESS RATE 10.8% INFLATION +13.5%

(Affected Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, and Gen Xers)

1990-91 The commercial real estate bubble pops, and waves of S&Ls go bust. JOBS -1.5M JOBLESS RATE 7.3% INFLATION +4.8%

(Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, and Gen Xers)

2008-?? The housing bubble bursts, markets freeze, layoffs mount.

JOBS -1.2M JOBLESS RATE 6.5% INFLATION +4.6%

(Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials.)

Recession Watch. Authors: FUNG, AMANDA Source: Crain's New York Business; 11/17/2008, Vol. 24 Issue 46, p3-3, 1/5p

WHAT IS HAPPENING

• Budget Cuts• Hiring Freezes• Suspended training• Layoffs• Loss of company perks• Downsized work forces• Restructuring of work force• Added job responsibilities

WHAT ARE PEOPLE FEELING?

Dread Distress/Stress Apathy Passivity Carelessness Resentment Insecurity

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A CHANGE?

Consider these obstacles to implementing a culture change in organizations like yours:

1. Are you afraid to take the risk to change? 2. Are you afraid of failing in your efforts?3. Do you know how to have fun, and play?4. Do you trust your co-workers to do the right

thing?5. Do you feel that you already do enough for

othersto be happy and satisfied?

6. Are you suspicious of ideas which do not come from “one of your own?”

AFFIRM YOURSELF AS YOU TAKE ON THE FISH! CHALLENGE

Changing the culture in an organization will require one to become a leader - in every sense of the word

One will need to risk the possibility of failure

BUT…to take no action is to fail for sure! The first step is to choose an attitude:

I choose confidence, trust, and faith as I grow and learn to FISH!

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE I HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO, AND WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM?

Emotional intelligence.One of most important factors in

determining success or failure on the job.Recognize your/other’s emotions and

understand what they’re telling you. Deal with emotions and the emotions of

others in constructive manner & promotes teamwork and productivity, not conflict.

Manage relationships more effectively.Can be taught and “grown.”

One Reason

MORE REASONS Each person offers different personality

traits and behaviors that impact overall morale. (The MBTI uses 16 different types!)

By knowing others’ personal nuances, one will be better able to assess what comes from either a personality trait or low morale.

You must know co-workers and others personally to understand how to re-energize and recognize them.

FINDING OUT MORE

Meyers-Briggs Types Generational

differences

MEYERS-BRIGGS PERSONALITY TYPES

GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES

Four generations of people are looking for work and working in one place at the same time

Each one has different motivations, expectations, values, and attitudes based on life experiences

Traditionalists/Silents (1925-1946)Baby Boomers (1946-1964)Gen Xers (1965-1980)Millenials (1980+)

SILENTS/TRADITIONALISTSBORN BEFORE 1946; 63+ YEARS OLD; 5-10% OF WORKPLACE

Characteristics:Highly loyal and dedicated; non-risk

takersSuperb interpersonal & problem-solving

skillsThrive on verbal & public recognition

During tough times:Have already survived tough timesHave experience in what has worked

beforeThrifty – used to doing withoutWilling to give back to othersSilver Entrepreneurs-starting new

businesses & enterprises

BABY BOOMERSBORN 1946-1964; 43-63 YEARS OLD; 45% OF WORKPLACE

Characteristics:Like to win, be in charge, make an impactGeneration of optimism, exploration, &

achievementSelf-indulgent, pamperedHard-working; work over personal life

During tough times:Plunging investment & home valuesHaving to work longer than plannedDelaying retirement indefinitelyCutting back on indulgence

GENERATION XBORN 1965-1980; 29-43 YEARS OLD; 45% OF WORKPLACE

Characteristics:Independent, self-directed, resourcefulSkeptical of authoritySeeks exciting (fun!), challenging, and

meaningful work environmentSeek work/life balance (slackers?) &

flexibility During tough times:

Entered workforce during tough times & downsizing

Very adaptive to job instabilityWilling to develop skill sets and take on

challengesMay “boomerang” at older age

MILLENIALS (GENERATION Y)BORN AFTER 1980; LESS THAN 29 YEARS OLD

Characteristics:Want it now, not interested in “paying dues”Need to be valued and appreciatedBoomer parents taught them hard work

and goal-settingLoyal to work, not employersCan appear more demanding than previous

generations During tough times:

First recession, no memory of economic downturnsDebt-ridden and inexperiencedReport strong sense of optimism about careersFreer spirit about losing work

Each generation motivated by a different set of standards. 

Embrace diversity among generations to create a flexible work environment and take advantage of opportunities for non-traditional leadership.

Strive to re-energize and recognize co-existing generations in the workplace, and value differing perspectives and goals. 

IN OTHER WORDS…

Now is the only time. How we relate to it creates

the future. In other words, if we're going to be

more cheerful in the future, it's because of our

aspiration and exertion to be cheerful in the

present. What we do accumulates; the future is the

result of what we do right now.

— Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart

Brain hurt yet?

Break time!

…NOW LET’S FISH!

THE FOUR KEYS TO THE FISH! PHILOSOPHY

1. Choose Your Attitude – be aware that each of us chooses our attitude each day

2. Play – have fun while doing your work because fun is energizing

3. Make Their Day - engage people in ways which create energy and good will

4. Be There – be fully attentive to the needs and desires of your clients/co-workers

FISH KEY 1: CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE! Step 1:

There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself

Step 2: There is a need to give up the “victim” role because life is not fair, and why let it ruin your day? Choose to be and do your best today!

Step 3: You have to be willing to take the risk to change!

You have to get unstuck! Step 4:

Have faith and trust that whatever happens, you will be all right - You will survive!

CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE

What it looks like: Living fully engaged lives, realizing you

have the power to choose your response to what life and work brings your way

Recognizing that you are responsible for how your choices affect others

In this era of emphasis on productivity and maximizing human capital, leaders do not lose sight of the fact that it is people that drive business

These leaders are passionate about helping others stay alive and engaged in their work

FIVE SOURCES OF MOTIVATION(ANDREW SANDERBECK)

Instrumental — motivated by rewards Self-concept, external — motivated by

reputation Self-concept, internal — motivated by

challenge Internalized goals — motivated by the

cause Intrinsic process — motivated by play

FISH KEY 2: PLAY

Step 1: Recognize that although you do a serious business – but you can still be serious about business and still have fun in the way you conduct business

Step 2: Let things flow and let go of the stress through play and having fun

PLAY

What it looks like: Keeping curiosity alive and trust it to

lead to better solutions

Finding ways to incorporate play in daily life

Approaching your work, responsibilities and challenges with energy and enthusiasm

BENEFITS OF PLAY-LEARN FROM PIKE PLACE FISH MARKET

High levels of productivity/profitability Low turnover Employees enjoy work that can be tedious Employees become great friends Employees feel like members of a winning

team Employees have pride in what they do and

howthey do it

The organization develops a product/service which is legendary and well known in the community!

FISH KEY 3: MAKE THEIR DAY!

Step 1: Look for as many ways you can to create great memories for your customers

Step 2: Being playful in the way you work allows you to find creative ways to engage your clients and co-workers

Step 3: Engage your clients and co-workers by finding ways to respectfully include them, and to invite them to join in your fun

MAKE THEIR DAY!

What it looks like: Being passionate about serving your

clients and co-workers Striving to bring sincerity and value

into the lives of others

KNOW YOUR ENEMY: COMMON EXCUSES

“I don’t feel that providing recognition to peopleis part of my job.”

“I’m afraid I might leave somebody out.” “They only want cash as reward.” “We catch up with them at raise time.” “Why would I recognize them? Aren't they

just doing their jobs?”

IMPACT OF MAKE THEIR DAY! AT PIKE PLACE FISH MARKET

People like being “part of the show” Memories are created which bring

smiles and make good stories for a long time afterwards

Involving others and working to “make their day” directs attention

Focusing attention on ways to make another person’s day provides a flow of positive feelings

FISH KEY 4: BE THERE!

Step 1: Be present (be there) for othersStep 2: Always be fully engaged in your

work and always working to engageStep 3: Involve others in every step you

take in completing their workStep 4: Always keep your focus on othersStep 5: Recognize others as if they were

your long lost friends

BEING THERE / BEING PRESENT!

What it looks like: Listening to others -- and yourself Cultivating self-trust Becoming conscious of how you show up

at work Striving to be fully present for each other

every day

WHAT KINDS OF RECOGNITION DO PEOPLE MOST WANT?

Internet studies show the Number One factor was support and involvement…

asking for their opinionsinvolving them in decisionsgiving them “permission” to do their jobs

supporting them when they make a mistake or have a setback

learning and development opportunities

Among the top 10 factors, four had to do withBASIC PRAISE.personal praisewritten praisepublic praiseelectronic praise

These do not cost a dime!

WHAT KINDS OF RECOGNITION DO PEOPLE MOST WANT? (CONT’D)

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO “BE THERE”

1. Write down what motivates you2. Make of list of three to five things that

could motivate people3. Have one-on-one meetings4. Reward it when you see it (“catch ‘em

doing good”)5. Reward it soon after you see it6. Establish goals7. Celebrate achievements

Great leaders use recognition as a way to:

Build confidenceFocus employees on the right behaviors

RetainEngage

Leaders appreciate and recognizeup, down and sideways.

BEING THERE’S IMPACT ON PIKE STREET FISH MARKET

Engaged and enthusiastic employees Employees who are inspired, motivated

and engaged Creating a culture based on camaraderie,

renewed creativity, reinvigorated passion and loyalty

Productivity increases Customer satisfaction improves Turnovers drop

FISH CULTURE STATEMENT

As you enter this place of work choose to make today a great day - Your colleagues and customers and you will be thankful

Find ways to play - We can be serious about work without being serious about ourselves

Stay focused in order to be there when your customers and co-workers need you

Should you feel your energy lapsing: find someone who needs a helping hand, a word of support, or a good ear – and make their day!

PRACTICE FISH AT WORK!

Be sincere in your efforts - really mean what you say when you encourage your staff to Play, Be There, Make Their Day and Choose a Positive Attitude

Be sure to role model this effort in team work in your organization

The present moment holds infinite riches beyond

your wildest dreams, but you will only enjoy

them to the extent of your faith and love…The

will of God is manifest in each moment, an

immense ocean which only the heart fathoms

insofar as it overflows with faith, trust and love.

— Jean-Pierre De Caussade, The Sacrament of the Present

Moment

Questions or comments?

REFERENCES1. FISH! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results

(2000) by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., Harry Paul and John Christensen. Hyperion Books, New York

2. FISH! Tales Bite-sized Stories. Unlimited possibilities (2002) by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., Harry Paul and John Christensen. Hyperion Books, New York

3. FISH! Sticks Make Change Stick (2003) by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., Harry Paul and John Christensen. Hyperion Books, New York

4. FISH for Life (2004) by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., John Christensen and Harry Paul, Hyperion Books, New York

5. When Fish Fly: Lessons for Creating Vital and Energized Workplace from the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market (2004) by John Yokoyama and Joseph Michelli, Hyperion Books, New York

6. Catch! A Fishmonger’s Guide to Greatness: Stop Floundering and Become More Effective in Your Life and Work (2004) by Cyndi Crother and the Crew of World Famous Pike Place Fish, Berrett-Koehler Publisher, San Francisco, CA

Books and materials available from http://www.fishphilosophy.com

REFERENCES

On Becoming a Risk Taker: http://www.coping.org/growth/risk.htm

Handling Insecurity: http://www.coping.org/growth/security.htm

Overcoming Pessimism and Negativity: http://www.coping.org/anger/pessimis.htm

Handling Hostility, Sarcasm and Cynicism: http://www.coping.org/anger/hostile.htm

Handling Fear of Success: http://www.coping.org/growth/success.htm

Self Affirmations: http://www.coping.org/innerhealing/affirms.htm

Having Fun: http://www.coping.org/growth/fun.htm

SLIDESHOW SOURCE MATERIAL

Dr. James Messina www.jamesjmessina.com

City of Orange, CA Library System Graphics from www.charthouse.com/ecards Segment quotes from spiritualityandpractice.com