Catch! A Fishmonger's Guide to Greatness

by Cyndi Crother, The Crew of World-Famous Pike Place Fish

The Pike Place fishmongers are almost as famous as the market they work at, lovingly profiled in the media and treasured by those who watch them go about their work each day with style and smiles. In ""Catch!, Cyndi Crother tells their story--or rather, lets them tell it, in this unusual combination of oral biography and business blueprint. Using the fishmongers' examples, letting them explain their work lives and their personal lives, the book explores the issues of goals--both financial and humanitarian--and intention, showing how the crew itself creates these goals in collaboration with management to everyone's satisfaction. ""Catch! examines the power of possibility, taking such guiding principles as coaching and acknowledgement that are lacking into many businesses and showing that readers too can be the prime movers in their own experience.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help

137 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Noni Fro (Janon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. Had to read it for a work book discussion (I skimmed it, which I almost never do). It wasn't bad, just that there are many other books out there that would have worked better life/work balance.

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book in hopes that it would be as inspiring as the set of three FISH Philosophy books and was highly disappointed. It focuses more on the fish market team themselves but without the added humor and lightheartedness found in the shorter reads. While there are a few lessons to be taken away, overall it is a very boring read and should be read in a short work book club type setting only. The added discussion ideas may help administration teams think outside the box but I would not suggest this book for fun or even a quick read, seeing as it took about a year for me to finally finish it.

[Jacob Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good “find your moral compass” book. Quick, easy read.

[treehugger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, cute little book about how more effectively interact with coworkers, customers, etc. and to accept responsibility for your life experience. A great reminder for all of us, certainly, although this book was written a little too simply for my tastes, and was too repetitive.

It was almost as though it was written for people who are just learning how to read....

best part: flipping back to the first chapter to "refresh my memory" of what Anders looks like as he tells stories throughout the book.. My oh my.

Finally - it just seems odd that you would choose fishmongers to get general business advice, and that big tough, burly, fish-smelling men would talk about their feelings, their needs, their coaching, tears, and hugs so very willingly....

Things that make ya go hmmmmmm.....Would get 2.5 stars, but I'm rounding up cuz Anders used normal vocabulary (aka, he knew words that had more than 4 letters in them) and he's cute. (but not as cute as trish, duh!)

[Christa Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read on the Pikes Place Fish Market and their business philosophy told by the fish mongers themselves. At times, I perceived it as hokey, but the overall point was excellent: that we should be in the moment, hold each other accountable while lifting each staff member up, and create our own opportunities that will consequently benefit the entire group.

[Doug Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quirky book, this one is interesting in its worker-view of business improvement and its positive attitude. The reviews at the end of each chapter work well to reinforce the personal behavioral changes that the author says will transform the worker (you) and the workplace.

[Phillip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty Formulaic. Lot's of platitudes but not much substance. Cashed in on Pike Place Fad. Nice interviews with Fishmongers, but some quotes feel staged and conclusions don't always follow from narrative.

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about Pike Place Fish Market and their underlying philosophy of work. I enjoyed it.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

another great book about turning lemons to lemonade all with the power of choice, attitude, and opening up and being a good person.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book for my Leadership class.

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

These guys are amazing!

[Carole Skees · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little intro to the power of positive thinking.