When Fish Fly Lessons For Creating a Vital and Energized Workplace From the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market by Yokoyama, John, Michelli, Joseph [Hyperion,2004] [Hardcover]

by Unknown Author

The remarkable story of the Pike Place Fish Market -- told by the owner, who transformed the small company into the world famous business depicted in the bestselling parable FISH! In this revealing business advice book, the magic of the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market proves a dynamic example of what a group of people can create when they are aligned and living a powerful vision. Here for the first time, owner John Yokoyama explains in his own words just how he transformed his business into a workplace that is renowned worldwide. When Fish Fly offers Yokoyama's cohesive strategy for achieving world famous results for owners, managers, and front-line workers alike. Once you understand the generative principles behind the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market you, too, can develop a culture that leads to excellent employee morale and legendary customer service. John Yokoyama is the owner of the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market. John's love of fish began as a child fishing with his father on Puget Sound. He learned the retailing business by working at his dad's produce stand in the Pike Place Farmer's Market. At age 25, he purchased the fish stand across from his dad's produce stand. He lives in Seattle. Joseph Michelli, Ph.D. , is a psychologist, organizational consultant, daily radio show talk host, professional speaker, and author of Humor , Play and Laughter . He presents and consults on the creation of dynamic and playful corporate cultures for corporations around the world. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Management, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Collections

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

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Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through various news stories over the years, I have heard about the throwing fish mongers at Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. As a food lover, this is a place that I am eager to visit one day. I did not realize what an amazing business model the market is, and that a number of small businesses, large corporations and school districts have used the lessons the market has adapted over the years to positively shift the way every employee, supervisor, and the owner sees themselves and the impact of their work on the world.

Pike Place Fish Market has been around for over forty years. They were doing ok and getting by, but the owner, John Yokoyama, wanted to try to expand the business into the wholesale fish business about twenty years ago. This failed miserably, and the business was in danger of going under. Instead of giving up, however, he sought the advice of a coach who helped him to re-frame his thinking. He re-evaluated how he viewed his management style, his employees, and the future of his business. Yokoyama explored what his business would look like if he was able to create a new vision for his business along with his employees, and that there might be a greater purpose to his business than just selling fish.

This is a powerful little book about the power of positive thinking. I hope my coworkers will take a few hours and listen to this message, and I believe it would serve anyone working in any kind of organization well. GPL owns the audio version of this book, and it is available for checkout. If you prefer to read the book, and have an evergreen card you may order it from GPL.

[Shelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

i'm sorry that this the first book i read in 2017 because it is seriously poor. he needed a ghost writer. he needed to say something other than "we're awesome because we act awesome" - without including any details on HOW. i love this pike place fish market. i've been there many times, and always smile when i walk past the flying fish. i often reference to other people who want to market things that they have to create a 'flying fish' otherwise no one pays attention. Sadly this book doesn't talk about the ideas behind the flying fish (why do it, what it changes when you create a participatory environment with clients). Instead this book says vapid things like "We serve as communication coaches, helping the staff determine that all conversations are not created equal. Some conversations support and empower people in their commitment to express themselves as world famous fishmongers.... Every powerless conversation can be released so that a bountiful catch can be made." This isn't even the worst example, it's just the random place where I opened the book (page 72). argh.

[Jay French · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found “When Fish Fly” to be an interesting business history and a nice set of business anecdotes. The business was purchased by an employee, the author, who rules with an iron fist until he received some education and decided to try something different. That something different was to attach the term “world famous” to everything his company did. That became a mantra, a lens through which all employees were tasked to view every situation, especially those situations dealing with customers.

I was reminded of astral projection when I read this book. In astral projection, a person comes out of their body and views their body and their situation from a different perspective, looking down and reviewing. What Yokoyama repeatedly did in this book is to tell his employees to “raise” their perspective above the situation, to ask themselves how they are acting and if their actions represent a “world famous” organization. In his examples, the request was usually enough to change attitudes and actions. The success of this tactic on his employees, mostly blue-collar workers, was quite remarkable. I personally use this tactic myself and have tried, unsuccessfully, to pass it on to my kids using the concepts of right and wrong. I think I need to look for something that resonates better!

Interesting for the business story – you don’t get many books written about running a fish market. And this story is representative for many businesses, from a small-town mechanics shop to a large software company. And interesting for its take on using a slogan to motivate employees. Many of the slogan rollouts I've seen in my career did not include the repetitive reminders of how to apply the slogan that Yokoyama illustrates here.

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am new to anyone who says they do not like to read writing a book, so the author's language is predictably utilitarian. I would say he gets to the how-to point, but with him it might be the how-to-be point. That is, he says we focus too much on how to accomplish a certain goals believing we can do so effectively without being changed ourselves. Instead, he says our main focus should be on being the person we want to be with the attitude we aspire to and that results will change as a consequence. His illustrations are good, and he is completely candid about the mistakes he has made as an owner and manager. I rarely read business books, generally looking for broader application, but this one is worth it.

[Stefan Kanev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about a great workplace.

This book tells the story of, ahem, World Famous Pike Place Fish, a fish market in Seattle. It used to be quite unsuccessful and unrofittable, but the owner managed to transform it (and himself) applying a very curious philosophy to the workplace. One they decided that they want to make it "world famous". They committed to that vision eventually succeeded. This book tells the elements of the philosophy that helped them accomplish it.

It's a very inspiring book about management.

On the down side, it's not greatly written. It feel repetitive at places and the ideas are not structured in a good way. Still, it's worth reading it – their story is quite fascinating and I personally learned some things.

It's also quite short ;)

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many people are familiar with the books about the FISH Philosophy, as practiced by the guys at Pike's Place Fish. Well, this book is by the owner of the market and he goes into details about his management, leadership, and customer service philosophy.

I've read quite a bit on leadership, and this was actualy quite good. I really liked what he had to say, and thought his approach was unique and insightful in many ways.

Defenitely worth a read if you are into this stuff.

[Krystian Stolecki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Yokoyama and Joseph Michelli. When Fish Fly: Lessons For Creating a Vital and Energized Workplace. New York: Hyperion Books, 2004, 158 pp. $15.68

Whenever I have the chance to take a guest to Seattle, one of the first places on the list is Pike Place Market. Anyone that knows anything about Pike Place knows that the tour would be incomplete without visiting the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market. Each guest has a chance to see fresh salmon flying through the air. The seafood acrobatics are matched by an enthusiastic team committed to fulfilling the vision of the market. But there’s nothing fishy about this Seattle based company. Everything that unfolds before the guests is carefully thought out. The details are revealed in the book, When Fish Fly: Lessons For Creating a Vital and Energized Workplace by John Yokoyama and Joseph Michelli.

When Fish Fly is an inside look at the success of the Pike Place Fish Market. The authors work through eight foundational pillars which drive the business plan:

1. Creating a vision of power and possibility as a team.
2. Enrolling and formalizing individual commitment and team alignment to the vision.
3. Helping team members distinguish between the state of being and the state of doing.
4. Having the leadership redefine themselves as effective agents of change.
5. Assisting team members in letting go of internal and external conversations that rob them of their personal power.
6. Guiding team members to listen to make a difference instead of listening to defend or blame.
7. Helping the crew live their commitment to one another through effective coaching.
8. Assisting crew members as they turn snags into breakthroughs.

Each of the business principles is explained and explored in greater detail. Yokoyama’s tale is sure to inspire new entrepreneurs and veteran business people alike. There are many nuggets here to mull over ruminate on. But the one thing that stands above all is the commitment the author to people. The author is more concerned with influencing people than a financial payout. Yokoyama writes,
“All of us can come together and benefit from generating bold visions of the future. You have an opportunity to positively empower people … I invite you to create a powerful vision for yourself and others in your community.”

When Fish Fly is a worthy read or anyone who has a passion to make a difference in the lives of people. Well done, Mr. Yokoyama!

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

to build a ship yearn for the sea, to make a difference for the people we touched for the fun of it, a purposeful vision, empower each employee, fish stink from head, capacity for growth, celebrate people, when I perceived this I felt this, how quick customer smile, prison internment and housing camp, target of prejudice, change conversation to responsibility, when belief is incompetent reaction is to overload self, listen to make difference, greatest good to reveal other’s riches, knowers vs learners.

[Chade66 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of these types of books, but this one rocked. It sprung from the owner's realization that by empowering and allowing his staff to be more creative that would translate into more profits for the business.

There is a plethora of feel good management books that are handed in organizations every year, but if the upper management isn't committed and engaged, its pointless.

I listened to this on audio.

[Jim Serger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a business book, well let me rephrase that; what a great people first book. Bar owners, restaurant owners, teachers, CEO, Veterinarians, salesman-- it does not matter what line of work we are in, for the message of the Pike Place Fish Market can we shared and felt in this book--the owner created change in his life, which created change in employees life which created the World Famous Market Place. Great book on what can be achieved when we change and except change for the better.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books tells what the author (owner of Pike Place Fish in Seattle) gained in his many years of owning the shop. He worked with his employees in creative and helpful ways. He was not perfect but learned from his mistakes and makes it possible for his readers to do the same in their interactions with employees.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book...I am almost positive that this author and business owner attended the Lifespring training and then incorporated it into his business model. For it to be a success for 15 years only goes to prove that the principals are sound...it was inspiring what one man can do to effect positive change.

[Peyton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb, uplifting book about what it means to lead people and manage a business. Yokoyama encourages management with humanity--something that should be fairly obvious but, unfortunately, isn't. I wanted to disbelieve that his methods would work, but he gives proof after proof that they do. If a fish market can be such a happy, positive working environment, then surely my workplace can, too.

[B.C. Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a self-help business book, this one stands out to me. I've read many, and I really liked the way this was presented. I enjoyed not only getting the advice and perspective of John Yokoyama, but I also liked his back stories of how he was raised and sent to a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
Anyone looking for a good business book should definitely give this one a try.

[Beth Bonvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure why I have been interested in buisness type books lately but this one was very interesting. All about the guy who started Pikes Place Fish market in Seattle, and it had many ideas that I could not only take back to my classroom, but into my life! Really good book!

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kinda painful to read. A few interesting points, but it basically felt like self-help literature. If anyone actually reads this review, can they please let me know how to get better at skimming?

[Zulkarnaina Mess · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in learning about management style that incorporates team building, rewards, giving back to the community, exciting performance, increasing productivity, this is one great book to read or listen to.

[JC · Rating 3 out of 5]

listening to the audio CD in my car, gathering ideas for upcoming staff retreat for work...
This was helpful in preparing some material for our staff retreat. I especially liked the section on listening and peer coaching.

[Darwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Pikes Place Fish Market in Seattle. It validates the role of leaders of setting the tone and the necessity of fostering honest communication between employees, and between employees and management. Check out the web site, http://www.pikeplacefish.com/.

[Jen Jenson]

Actually finished April 2015

I loved this book! I was waiting to get tone to write a really good detailed review of this book. It never happened. Regardless, I really loved this one. I thought it was well put together, it flowed well, it was an engaging and inspiring book. Highly recommend!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know most of this... good reminder thought that we each choose how our day will go, and how our encounters with others will go as well.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should marketing also. It did not take long to read and I learned a lot about the Seattle Fish Market workplace.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than FISH! Gives a great backgound of Pikes Place Fish.

[Vinnydbullet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great business book. I really want to see this fish market.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something special about those quick reads you can finish in under 24 hours. I enjoyed reading about this business model and I hope that I can apply some of the lessons to my future work.

[Noor]

Excellent

[Sean Vangordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good read for small business owners.

[Amry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast read based on simple premise..

[Jun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book and read it over and over.