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12th out of 98 books
—
115 voters
Fish!: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results
Over 5 Million Copies Sold Imagine a workplace where everyone chooses to bring energy, passion, and a positive attitude to the job every day.
Imagine an environment in which people are truly connected to their work, to their colleagues, and to their customers.
In this engrossing parable, a fictional manager is charged with the responsibility of turning a chronically unenthus...more
Imagine an environment in which people are truly connected to their work, to their colleagues, and to their customers.
In this engrossing parable, a fictional manager is charged with the responsibility of turning a chronically unenthus...more
Hardcover, 112 pages
Published
March 8th 2000
by Hyperion
(first published 1996)
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Our company is using Fish! philosophy. I have been working for the past 27 years and all my previous three or four employers did not allow any of these: Halloween area decorations contest, global festival contest, monthly birthday celebrants dinner with the general manager, santacruzan (based on catholic religious festival), interest clubs (book club is one of these and I am one of the members and I will use Goodreads), etc. Honestly, I am not sure if they add value to the business (including th...more
Suckiest book ever! This was an obligatory "work read". It was the classic corporate mumbo jumbo. Imagine a sucky group of employees with bad attitudes...in walks this great boss. With only the tap of a wand and a field trip to a local fish market she transforms this group of losers into productive happy cogs. With really clever phrases like "choose your attitude" this sage was able to get her team back on track and loving their jobs, life and eachother. Wow! Not once did they explore what made...more
A GR friend listed this, which reminded me that I "owned" a copy at one time. Actually what happened was this: My former employer was sending us office peons to a motivational retreat out in the country, which happened every other year or so to our great collective dread. Much forced teamwork joviality and irritating group exercises and presentations that reminded me of kindergarten ensued. The latest management fad of the week that was used to "theme" and structure one of these particular retre...more
5 likes · like · see review
I don't know if I've ever heard so much negative feedback on a book that no one's actually read.
A coworker cleaning out his desk handed me this slim hardback volume along with "Leadership and the One Minute Manager," both of which he received at some sort of managerial seminar. I'm usually up to give read just about anything, and neither volume extended much beyond 100 pages. When I asked him about fish, he casually explained that it was a book on how to brainwash your employees.
Not sure he read...more
A coworker cleaning out his desk handed me this slim hardback volume along with "Leadership and the One Minute Manager," both of which he received at some sort of managerial seminar. I'm usually up to give read just about anything, and neither volume extended much beyond 100 pages. When I asked him about fish, he casually explained that it was a book on how to brainwash your employees.
Not sure he read...more
4 likes · like · see review
My boss gave me this book to read and tell her what I thought. My review here will be essentially what I told her.
The FISH concept is exactly that, a concept that has been heard before from countless speakers at every business conference you have attended. Chose your attitude, have some fun at work, pay attention to people, and be focused on the present. None of these are breakthrough concepts. The book itself is a quick read; I finished it on my lunch break after she gave it to me. Large font,...more
The FISH concept is exactly that, a concept that has been heard before from countless speakers at every business conference you have attended. Chose your attitude, have some fun at work, pay attention to people, and be focused on the present. None of these are breakthrough concepts. The book itself is a quick read; I finished it on my lunch break after she gave it to me. Large font,...more
The writers of this book are responsible for the documentary about Seattle's world famous Pike Place fish market, whose employees' enthusiasm and playfulness have become a model for businessess of all types and also schools. Since it's not practical for the small family run business I work for to rent the film for $500, I decided to read this slim inexpensive book instead. The Fish philosophy revolves around four key ideas: Choose the attitude you go to work with each day, be playful, make the c...more
1 like · like · see review
Fish! A simplistic yet overbearing, cloying, smiley-fish face concept guaranteed to annoy, yet not challenge, any employee forced to read it. And there's absolutely no getting around the immediate reaction to all things Fish: is this about Jesus Christ? It isn't, it's about soulful fish-flingers from Seattle leading lives of great fulfillment that we should all envy. Why? Because they choose happiness. Like we all should. All of us. People from all walks of life. From the humble to the mighty. I...more
1 like · like · see review
Another business parable/fable book in an easy to digest format. The book doesnt convey anything earth-shattering, takes a simple enough story and tries to get across a simple concept - What would it take a dull, inefficient team in a fictional company back up running.
The story involves our main character Mary Jane Ramirez, who has gone through a fair share of troubles with her personal life, with her husband dying all of a sudden from a disease, given responsibility of "third floor" of the comp...more
The story involves our main character Mary Jane Ramirez, who has gone through a fair share of troubles with her personal life, with her husband dying all of a sudden from a disease, given responsibility of "third floor" of the comp...more
This was required reading for my day job. While I appreciate what the folks at my job are attempting to do, and am always on board for being as positive and present-minded as one is capable of being, therein lies the rub--this book did not account for individual variation in ability whatsoever. I wasn't surprised in the least to find that a book used as corporate motivation would be extremely ableist, erasing the reality of physical and mental disabilities as an involuntary factor in whether a p...more
So the writing won't win authors Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen any prizes, but the philosophy behind this book has worked rather brilliantly for Seattle's Pike Place Market, where fish fly from the ice and into the arms of amused, energetic patrons, who are happy to pay for the entertainment. Oh, and the fish.
It was a recommended read from my boss, who is looking for ways to improve our working environment, but I actually found it applies to my personal life as well. The book...more
It was a recommended read from my boss, who is looking for ways to improve our working environment, but I actually found it applies to my personal life as well. The book...more
I really liked this book when I first bought it, in 2001. Back then, I was a young and idealistic 23-year-old, so I pretty much assumed that a corporate culture could be changed by smiling and being nice to the customers. Of course, I've since learned that it's not nearly that easy. The book's message is simple enough; it's a cross between the Serenity Prayer (don't dwell on what you can't change) and the Franklin or Eleanor Roosevelt quote to "do what you can with what you have where you are."
T...more
T...more
A wonderful example of powerful corporate storytelling. The message is simple, the stories are recognizable and emotional. The book is short, which is good, because the message is easily summarized. As inspirational books go, this one is a breath of fresh air as, unlike some other great books, this one does not repeat itself over and over again. You read it in an hour and then get back to whatever it was you were doing, letting the message slowly sink in.
The core message itself is not revolutio...more
The core message itself is not revolutio...more
This book is inspired by the Fish Market at Pike Place Fish in Seattle. There fishmonger, have managed to turn their workplace into a fun and joyful market which features exceptional customer service.
This fish market inspired the authors to write a story of a manager who is asked to head up and turn around a very ineffective department. This manager then applies the secrets that helped turn the fish market into such a fun workplace, namely: choose your attitude, play, make their day, and last bu...more
This fish market inspired the authors to write a story of a manager who is asked to head up and turn around a very ineffective department. This manager then applies the secrets that helped turn the fish market into such a fun workplace, namely: choose your attitude, play, make their day, and last bu...more
Fish! is a narrative business book along the lines of Death by Meeting, The Greatest Salesmen in the World, The Go-Getter and countless others. Much like these other books, Fish is high on inspiration and low on realism; like other books of its kind, it just doesn't take into account that there are people at work who don't want to buy in to having a good time at work. Nothing can be done to get these people to do their part in a story like Fish!. Not to say that I disagree with its message; I de...more
Well, we were asked to read this book at my place of employment and I must say, I didn't think it would be all that great. Of course...I was wrong. This was really a great story. There are several great lessons to take away from this book.
Number 1 lesson- "We can choose the attitude we bring to our work!" "There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself."
Bottom line= You choose your attitude. If you want to work in a happy environment...more
Number 1 lesson- "We can choose the attitude we bring to our work!" "There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself."
Bottom line= You choose your attitude. If you want to work in a happy environment...more
Business related book with ideas how to boost morale in the workplace and increase results. This book was given to me by the "Principal" of the school upstairs from my school. I found the book motivating and its ideas applicable to my own school:
(1) Choose your attitude each day. Most of us need our jobs and must work, but we can choose to make our workplace happy and fun.
(2) Play. We must find a way to play everyday. And, not just with the kids!
(3) Make someone's day. We must be looking at ways...more
(1) Choose your attitude each day. Most of us need our jobs and must work, but we can choose to make our workplace happy and fun.
(2) Play. We must find a way to play everyday. And, not just with the kids!
(3) Make someone's day. We must be looking at ways...more
Good Read. Simple, but powerful.
Main Points:
- Choose your attitude.
- There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is no choice about the work itself. We can choose the attitude we bring to our work.
- Have the courage to change.
- Never fear the risk of failure. The risk of doing nothing is greater than the risk of acting.
- Leave your own indelible mark on the world.
- Respect your creative urges. Your choices are as authentic as you are.
- Never stop learning and growing....more
Main Points:
- Choose your attitude.
- There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is no choice about the work itself. We can choose the attitude we bring to our work.
- Have the courage to change.
- Never fear the risk of failure. The risk of doing nothing is greater than the risk of acting.
- Leave your own indelible mark on the world.
- Respect your creative urges. Your choices are as authentic as you are.
- Never stop learning and growing....more
This book was handed to me by my boss and everyone in my department is supposed to read it. The concept is simple: choose your attitude about work. I get it, I've heard it a thousand times from a thousand different places and the reality is there are times when I want to choose a poor attitude because the people above me continually make poor decisions. The "Toxic Energy Dump"in my store is the management.
The parable in the book was poorly written. The characters were not even remotely believabl...more
The parable in the book was poorly written. The characters were not even remotely believabl...more
Apr 23, 2011
Mickey (I'm A Book Shark)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People who want to love what do even if they don't do what they love.
Recommended to Mickey by:
Kim Williams
Shelves:
2011
I am pretty sure I have seen a show on TV featuring this fish market, and it was pretty spectacular. It all seems like such common sense to just choose to have a better work day. It's quite a bit more difficult if you don't have everyone on the same page, and not everyone sees things the same way, but I fully understand this concept. This story made me think about my own situation and how I can make my workplace a better one. I see some things that we're already doing, and I see some things we c...more
I got called in as a temp today, and inbetween breaks of answering phones, I noticed this book sitting in the office and I picked it up and read it. It's short and sweet and to the point, and a REALLY good book. It reminded me a lot of Victor Frankl's book Man's Search for Happiness, how even when our freedoms are taken away, we always have the freedom to choose our attitude toward things and events. This applies the choice of attitude to the workplace. Maybe you have a job that really sucks. Th...more
If you have ever worked in a place where there was a lack of energy or commitment, then this is a book for you. Actually, I think it could be a book for everybody.
I borrowed this book from the library for one simple reason. I wanted to see how the Android app for ebooks worked. This book was one that was in my vast list of books to maybe read. And, boy, am I glad I did.
This book is an easy and quick read (I read it in a few hours), but more importantly it gives you very simple rules to live by,...more
I borrowed this book from the library for one simple reason. I wanted to see how the Android app for ebooks worked. This book was one that was in my vast list of books to maybe read. And, boy, am I glad I did.
This book is an easy and quick read (I read it in a few hours), but more importantly it gives you very simple rules to live by,...more
Ein nett aufgemachtes, kleines Buch, das sich innerhalb kürzester Zeit lesen lässt. Durch die lockere Art bekommt man Lust die vorgestellten vier Prinzipien - Wähle deine Einstellung selbst, Spiele, mach anderen eine Freude und sei präsent - in die Tat umzusetzen.
Zunächst hat man vielleicht ähnliche Vorbehalte, wie die Mitarbeiter des dritten Stocks. Versucht man aber nach den "Einstellungen" zu leben, stellt man schnell fest, dass diese den Unterschied machen. Dabei kommt es weniger auf die tat...more
Zunächst hat man vielleicht ähnliche Vorbehalte, wie die Mitarbeiter des dritten Stocks. Versucht man aber nach den "Einstellungen" zu leben, stellt man schnell fest, dass diese den Unterschied machen. Dabei kommt es weniger auf die tat...more
I know it is a matter of perspective certainly, but I think a one star rating is missing the point of this book... It is absolutely not going to be winning any writing awards, but it contains lessons that I think we all need to be reminded of periodically. I always feel better when I read it and I always take something away from it. Quick read... an hour tops! Buy it for yourself, buy it for friends, buy it for coworkers... We can all benefit from the Fish philosophy!
1) Choose the attitude you b...more
1) Choose the attitude you b...more
yes I read this. the book's point is great-- the book itself (the supposed story) SUCKS BALLS. this book could have been a one page handout, with five bullet points. good thing it only took an hour or two to read.
This uplifting & positive book is based on the very popular & motivational video "Fish!". It tells the story of an ordinary office supervisor Mary Jane Ramirez who heads a lethargic & indifferent team of people. Using the principles of Fish! - Choose your attitude, Play, Make their Moment and Be Present, an initially skeptical Mary Jane soon etches these principles in her heart and gradually transforms her team from being mediocre to a very happy, enthusiastic & a winning bunch o...more
Feb 23, 2011
Carol Messler
is currently reading it
A very great quick read. Very enthusiastic author. The books begins by explaining that we spend nearly 75% of our time at our work. Many people go through their work day in a "robotic" manner with no personal involvement, energy, investment, or desire to do their job. Amusingly, the author's boss, described a particular department of a company as "The toxic energy dump". The author's assignment is to change this department into a lively, energentic, creative, productive department. While trying...more
A nice quick and interesting read this morning with several challenges and ideas to improve the workplace.
Probably the only critism I would have is the book is expensive for the short book it is, but can probably be found cheap at a second hand book store - amazon had it used for $2. Having said that, putting the ideas into practise will easily benefit the company far more than the $13 for the book.
I think it would also have been good to include the ideas as a one or two page summary at the end...more
Probably the only critism I would have is the book is expensive for the short book it is, but can probably be found cheap at a second hand book store - amazon had it used for $2. Having said that, putting the ideas into practise will easily benefit the company far more than the $13 for the book.
I think it would also have been good to include the ideas as a one or two page summary at the end...more
ajitabh recommended this. Given his review, became very curious and finished it at a stretch :) The msg inside this tiny book is only one thing: "love your work".
To quote the author: "~75% of an adult wake time is spent doing work-related activities, right from getting ready to work, to decompressing after work. Better make everyday at work a great day"
Personally, I am not satisfied with this book, may be because i was reading an abridged version, but one thing i can surely vouch for is that "e...more
To quote the author: "~75% of an adult wake time is spent doing work-related activities, right from getting ready to work, to decompressing after work. Better make everyday at work a great day"
Personally, I am not satisfied with this book, may be because i was reading an abridged version, but one thing i can surely vouch for is that "e...more
I can see why this book might appeal to some people: the message is simple, the story is quick and clear, and the whole thing can be read in an hour. For someone looking for quick talking points on employee engagement, this might fit the bill.
For anyone else--someone looking for something analytical, someone who reads on a regular basis, someone who cares that dialogue should sound authentic even in business books--this is one to pass on. The lessons boil down to: choose your attitude, play, mak...more
For anyone else--someone looking for something analytical, someone who reads on a regular basis, someone who cares that dialogue should sound authentic even in business books--this is one to pass on. The lessons boil down to: choose your attitude, play, mak...more
This is another book I was required to read for a class on teacher leadership. I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one mentioned. This book focuses on the Pike Fish Market and how success can come in a variety of forms. Who wants to work in a smelly fish market?? A business exec looking to turn her department around used the philosophies and work ethics of the Pike Fish Market to turn her once labeled "toxic dump department" to the one that everyone wants to work for. There are four...more
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“As you enter this place of work please choose to make today a great day. Your colleagues, customers, team members, and you yourself will be thankful. Find ways to play. We can be serious about our work without being serious about ourselves. Stay focused in order to be present when your customers and team mebers most need you. And should you feel your enegery lapsing, try this surefire remedy: Find someone who needs a helping hand, a word of support, or a good ear - and make their day.”
—
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Nov 07, 2011 02:54am
Nov 07, 2011 05:18am