Fish!

by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D.,
Harry Paul, and
John Christensen

A = Must Read

B = Put it on Your List

C = Underwhelming

D = Not Even Summer Reading

F = I'm Sorry I Read it

Many years ago, when I was on my way to see the movie Top Gun, a friend of mind commented, "Goose gets killed.” Although I had no idea what he was talking about, as soon as Anthony Edwards appeared on the screen, I knew he was toast. Analogously, if you don't want me to ruin the book Fish! for you, please stop reading now.

"When we choose to love the work we do, we can catch our limit of happiness, meaning, and fulfillment every day," is the message of Fish! It is a parable of a capable executive, Mary Jane, who is called upon to revive the apathetic, Third Floor Operations Group for the fictitious First Guarantee Financial Company in Seattle.

One day, while walking and ruminating about her work problems, she finds herself at the famous Pike Place Fish Market where employees perform for gathering crowds while selling fish. The energy of the market is exciting and contagious. One of the market employees, Lonnie, engages Mary Jane in a conversation, and subsequently becomes her mentor in transforming the Third Floor Operations Group.

The lessons Lonnie teaches Mary Jane are:

1. Choose your attitude, even if you can't choose your work.

2. Play; have fun.

3. Make their day; engage your customers.

4. Be present; pay attention to your employees and coworkers.

The book is immensely popular, ranked 45 in sales on Amazon's list. There are few books like it that explain how to inject fun and enthusiasm into the work place. Some companies are handing copies out to employees in an effort to provide inspiration for improving corporate culture.

I can't help wondering how three authors wrote a book that's only 107 pages. It's a light read: crack it open while you're on line at LaGuardia and you'll be smiling to yourself on the last page before the seat belt sign goes off.

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