“In Economics The Majority Is Always Wrong” – John Kenneth Galbraith

“Good Economics for Hard Times” is an eye-opener in a true sense as it compels us to think whether the hardcore principles of Economics studied by the Commerce students in their high school is actually true or not? It touches major and also the contagious issues of our time from migration to trade. It beautifully depicts the real-life scenario of how economics works in our day to day life and how the demography is affected by it. It also tells us the reasons behind how certain policies and programs are implemented and the role of government and the authorities in the decision-making process. Moreover, it also talks about the role of business houses and corporates in certain debatable points.

The book exemplifies the major challenges from the lack of trust in Economists to the application of standard economic principles like demand and supply and along with that, it talks about issues which are applicable everywhere in the world and not just to a country specifically. As we all know that every country and every locality’s economic problem varies but the way it has been described in the book, gives it a universal appeal and everyone can relate to it.

Adding on to that, one problem which I think has a local, as well as national presence, is the issue of migration which can be easily addressed through the logic and examples given in this book. On a local level, we all know that Surat is considered to be a hub of industries ranging from textile to diamonds and thousands of people from the adjacent states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and all the way from Odisha come here for jobs and have settled here too. Though the local Gujarati community is very tolerant and accepting towards them but the politicians and people with vested interests always think that they are taking away the jobs of the locals and are a burden on the resources or responsible for increased crime. Furthermore on the national level too, these apprehensions are still there when it came to migrants from other countries like Rohingya Muslims or persecuted Hindus or people from other religions covered under the CAA act. If you read the book you will know that the majority of problems perceived by people about migrants and unchecked influx of people cannot be that big and are unfounded.  On the contrary it can be a blessing in disguise as these migrants bring spending power with them and add in the economic development by increasing demand. They could also be entrepreneurs and can add to the GDP in the long run.

In a nutshell the book talks about practical problems and their practical solutions and we have to be open-minded to understand the concepts given as it also compels us to think critically about the economic issues raised and to take a wise decision devoid of our own ideology or biases.

Authors:  by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D. Harry Paul, and John Cristensen. 

The title of the book reflects the atmosphere, work culture of the famous Pike Place Fishmarket. When a fish market comes into our mind it relates to the place which is fleshy, wet, and stinky where hardly one could wish to go. But the Pike Place Fishmarket is the place that is truly inspired and motivational which brings joy and invites people. 

Third Floor- of the First Guarantee Financial, Pike Place Fish Market.

Mary Jane who shifted with his husband and 2 kids to Seattle’s and was living a balanced life, suddenly after the death of her husband everything changed. Being a single mother with the responsibilities and 2 kids accepted the promotion on the third floor of the First Guarantee Finance even after knowing that the floor is called a ‘toxic energy dump’. The struggle that she faced to show her potential and get the given title removed. After losing her hope she reached a place which was a famous Pike Place Fish Market and the environment, work culture made her think deeply.

The key four ingredients which Lonnie helped her to recognize and get that implemented in her team.

The four ingredients:

1) Choose your attitude- We can choose our attitude we can 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.

2) Play- play while you work that brings more interest to gear up and involve in the work assigned. 

3) Make their day- We look for as many ways as we can to create great memories. And we create great memories whenever we make someone’s day

4) Be Present- Listen to all small things and acknowledge and respond, ensure that you are listening and there to help them out. By presenting these four ingredients in front of the team and further dividing the team members into 4 teams and asking them to reflect in front of the entire team. Eventually, she succeeded, it took her 1 year to remove the title ‘and now the third floor is the best place to work with no title ‘toxic energy dump’.  Now the third floor in First Guarantee Finance is the best place and the new problem is that everyone wants to work there.

IMO-  Attitude is the key factor that plays a major role in life. Our attitude drives us for the entire day. How to keep your surrounding environment truly lies on the individual. Few words of appreciation to anyone around will make their day. The joy you will see on that person’s face will satisfy you and you will automatically notice a smile on your face. Present yourself when someone is around and has come to seek help or share the problems.

 

 

The ‘Fish’  is a very interesting book written by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen. It is based on how you are managing your professional and personal responsibilities effectively.

The book has many insights into how you can bring happiness to your work. It is all about how you carry your energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and positives to your workplace. The author has given the name of this book ‘FISH’ because the fish market is an example of how the work environment should be..!

Mary is the lead character of this book, she faced tragedy in her life at an early age, her husband passed away and she was having 2 kids as well. When she was asked to be promoted to the third floor she wasn’t comfortable just because of her personal life responsibilities she had to accept the challenge. She gathered the courage to move ahead and work. When she started working she wasn’t happy with the way the team was working and was demotivated also. Somehow when she went to the fish market she was amazed observing the energy, positivity, and joyfulness around. She met lonis and learned a lot from her about how to love what you do. And how you can only bring change to your workplace. Slowly she started implementing the learning by changing her attitude towards her workplace, she started believing in herself. 

For me, the main learning from this book is the Attitude that one needs to carry in professional and personal life as well, “Your determination can only sail your boat”.

FISH-A self help and motivational book written by Stephen S Lundin, Hary Paul and John Christensen.

 

This FISH is for everyone; Vegetarian, Non vegetarian, Mexican, South Asian, Italians, East Indian..anyone. Basically for all those people who wish to have a cheerfull, efficient and high energy workplace. The so called “Fish Philosophy” is all about making your work place brighter and enjoyable. The name of the book is inspired from the world famous “Pike Palace Fish Market”, in Seattle, where employees use these strategies to make their workplace a happier one inspite of being a smelly, sloppy and a wet place.

The Fish Philosophy has 4 main ingredients and these are well described and explained through a story in this book. Mary Jane (Key character), who is recently widowed and lives with her two children in Seattle, works in a firm called “First Guarantee”. She is considered as a top manager and a go to co-worker. Her team performs well and is always appreciated by all. The situation soon changes when she is offered a raise and a promotion to lead a team who is generally refer to as “Toxic Energy Dump”. In her initial days with this team, she observes, identifies and realize why this team holds such impression and why it is called “Zombie”. Her energy levels, enthusiasm and confidence drops leading this team for a week or so. She soon realizes that something has to be done in this case or else it will impact her life heavily. While tensed, hungry and frustrated with her situation, she meets Lonnie (Second main character) on her way to lunch., who is a fishmonger at the world’s famous Pike Palace Fish Market. This meeting soon changes her life. Her perspective, her energy levels and most importantly her willingness to do anything has increased. She soon finds her lost confidence and ideas to turn her team into the most lively and efficient team. Lonnie introduces her to “4 MANTRAS” to make the workplace the most enjoyable thing in the world.

These 4 Mantras are, Choose your Attitude, Play, Make Their Day and Be Present.

To choose the right attitude or rather the required attitude for any field of life is our responsibility. Nobody can change/hurt you until you give them the power to change you. The remote of your life has to be in your own hands, as simple as that (it may sound simple but it take tons of courage to make it right). Not everyone is blessed to make their passion as their work, but we are all free and independent to make the work playful and enjoyable. Working people (it includes people holding jobs, running business, Women running the house) spent their huge amount of time at work, Its all up to them to make their work place a better one; if you have the right or rather required attitude, shift hours just becomes playful. This holds true not only to your works place but also in your personal or social life. The better or happy or positive attitude you have towards life, the better are the results. Positive attitude attracts other people and this will help you include other people, be an empathetic listener and do your best to make their day and be present for them.

 

Kehte hai na, khushiya baatne se badhti hai. Agar hum apne priyajano ko apni khushi mein shamil nahi kar sakte to wo khushi hi kya? So share and spread the knowledge, love, happiness and be a part of an inclusive society.

The happiness project by Gretchen  Rubin, the author shares  the smaller changes within her confines of ordinary life for being happier. She addresses each month of a year a theme like-  energy vitality, marriage , work , parenthood ,etc. ‘She acted the way she wanted  to feel’-  just by staying determinant to her resolutions or by working on some of her manageable concrete things that could boost her happiness, making her happier and not just happy. That’s one of her commandments out of 12 – “Act the way I want to feel”, which has kindled me and I wish to apply it in my daily routine. Bringing in smaller changes to our daily routine surely brings the sense of achievements which leads to the feeling of contented. The examples of happiness projects shared in the book are so subtle, not at all complex, its’ like a checklist- done, done, done….

 

“My happiness project” is to bring alignment of the following tasks in my evening schedule –

Exercise 

Appropriate dinner time

Mediation

Prayers

 

There are yet other interesting themes in the book like parent hood , friends ,etc. , which  I ruminate about and I am sure reading it further and discussions on them will give some clarity.

“One is not always happy when one is good, but one is always good when one is happy.” This quote by Oscar Wilde certainly rings true. 

Happiness, to me, is making others happy. I derive pleasure in seeing people happy. Everyone is seeking happiness; especially in these trying times when we all are confined to our homes. “What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realised it sooner.” These lines by Gretchen made be realise the value of what I have. I realised that I had been living in a mirage, an illusion that wasn’t even me. I believe, that the twelve commandments, Be yourself, Let it go, Act the way I want to feel, Do it now, Be polite and be fair, Enjoy the process, Spend out, Identify the problem, Lighten up, Do what ought to be done, No calculation and last but not the least, There is only love, are the stepping stones to a happier, healthier and more productive life. I was able to resonate with her completely. I realised that to be happy, I need to generate more positive emotions, increase the amount of enthusiasm, gratitude and friendship in my life. I also need to remove the feelings of guilt, remorse, shame, anger, boredom and irritation.

Research shows that happy people are more altruistic, more productive, more helpful, more likeable, more creative, more resilient, friendlier and healthier. Happy people make better friends, colleagues and citizens. Happy people are more forgiving and charitable. I want to be one of those people.

And therefore, as a part of my happiness project, I made a few commitments to myself. 

I commit to waking up early to exercise and do yoga & meditation daily as I want to remain fit. I also commit myself to write for at least fifteen minutes daily because I want to learn the art of penning down my thoughts.

Choose Your Attitude

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

It means we have a choice to use our positive/negative attitude in our work. If we put our positive attitude, we enjoy our work even if it’s boring for others and if we put our negative attitude, we will never enjoy our work if all others enjoy doing that work.

 

Constructive attitude:

Many times we show our attitude to bo friendly and let others take advantage of the attitude. Sometimes we show a smiling face although we are upset/stressed inside. But we should show a constructive attitude, it means we show an attitude to accept the situation and act according to it so that we can find a better solution/result. Many times we ignore to work with the person with whom we have disappointment but instead, we can handle it with him/her with the positive attitude to get a better result.

 

Optimistic attitude:

We have so many negative memories in our mind and also, our mind installs negative experiences for long term memory much easier than a positive one. We feel bad about ourselves when we get failure and waste so much time thinking about it and lose another opportunity, instead of that we should get out of the failure and work on it so that we can avoid another failure.

 

Affirming attitude:

Many times we hesitate to establish our relationship /  do work with people we are uncomfortable. We are too comfortable with whom we can share our personal/professional issues. Affirmative attitude is like we do not need to share personal issues/ experience to get work done or to get comfortable with. We can build trust without doing so many things.

Effective attitude:

Our body language and expression show our nature, behaviour and concentration towards work. If our face is expressionless and the tone of our voice flat, even though we think we’re being there, we are actually conveying that we don’t care. Smiling, on the other hand, is the first step in making people feel safe, valued and accepted. It tells them you are ready to help and work with them. It invites them to do the same for you, creating an effective, cooperative relationship.

 

Growth attitude:

We have a fixed mindset and think that we have more knowledge and what we are doing is right and due to it we lose many good learning opportunities and our growth is stuck at one place/level. Instead of that, if we choose a growth attitude we listen to others’ points, suggestions and we would get a better result and we can grow.

 

Play

The fish market is an adult playground. If a fish guy can have much fun selling fish, there is hope for us at our workplace.

It means it’s up to us how we can do our work with our colleagues/stakeholders. If we do our work through play (in a creative way) our colleagues and all stakeholders would also enjoy doing work with us.

Play is one of the most important philosophies but many times we ignore it and don’t give importance. In many work, where different people who are demotivated/ underestimated are involved in one task/ project this philosophy is very useful and we can complete our task /project in a creative way.

 

Make Their Day

We look for as many ways as we can to create great memories whenever we make someone’s day.

It means if we find someone stressed/upset, we should cheer him/her by appreciating his/her effort/knowledge or do something special for him/her so that s/he feels special.

We meet many people in our day to day life, some are very happy, some are normal and some are upset, tensed, angry etc. We never do anything the third type of people. We just meet them and do our work but what if we do something special for them. We feel very special when someone does something special for us why not do the same thing for those who are in difficult situations.

 

Be Present/Be There

The past is history

The future is a mystery

Today is a gift

That is why we call it the present.

It means we should have to be there to listen to who share their issues/feelings/experience/solutions if we do the same we give care and respect to them and their thoughts.

Many times we listen to others but we are not fully present there. Our mind is distracted every 8 seconds and we miss some important point/sharing and we can’t give proper suggestions/solutions.

 

Know your priorities:

If we would like to be fully present, first we have set our priorities like if you’re in a meeting. Your phone constantly lights up with messages. You can’t deal with any of them now, so each update floats in your head, creating secondary concerns that keep you from focusing on your main priority. Start your day by writing down what you will accomplish today. What will it take to accomplish your goal?

 

One thing at a time:

Many times we feel proud when someone says, you are a multi-tasker but the truth is that if you do multi-task, you can’t get the best result. Instead of if you focus on one task complete it and start another one, you will definitely get the best result.

 

Put your distractions “Away”:

We start all the work together so many tabs are open in our device and due to it, we are distracted after some time and leave the existing work in between and start another work and so on. So as mentioned in the above paragraph, we should focus on only one task and everything else should be away/ close others tabs.

 

Take a break:

We should take a break in between if we feel distracted. Take a five-minute walk. Stretch. Breathe deeply. Take a short nap. Research shows that just 10 minutes can clear mental fog and restore alertness.

 

Focus on yourself:

Before you give your full attention to what others are feeling, you must be aware of your own emotions. Are you angry? Anxious? Your amygdala—the primitive region of your brain that responds to threats—takes over, limiting your ability to reason and maintain attention. If we focus on ourselves then only we can focus on others /works.

Whenever my students make too much noise, sometimes I comment, ‘It looks like a fish market’.  Fish market is always noisy and smelly. But suddenly my perspective changed, after reading the book ‘Fish: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results’. It talks about a famous place, ‘Pike place fish market’ where people are happy and have developed good working habits. The authors Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen have put those working habits in four philosophies: 

1. Choose your attitude
2. Play
3. Make their day 
4. Be there

The FISH! philosophy gives us ideas about what an ideal workplace looks like. More importantly, how you can fall in love with your work.   

Mary Jane is the main character of the story. She’s a business woman and has good work ethics. That’s why she’s promoted. This promotion is nothing else but a nightmare. She got exhausted and upset when the second lead character came to the story and that is Looney. He is a complete stranger to Mary after that she shares her problem with Looney who works at a fish market. Here Looney shared this great fish philosophy and Mary Jane’s life completely changed.  

Setting of the story is about Mary’s office, especially on the third floor of her office. Mary was aware of the terrible reputation of her department on the third floor. Her boss Bob renamed her department as ‘A Toxic Energy Dump’. The second set of the story is the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market. Here, she got the lessons of life.

This great book gives us life lessons. Here they are,

“There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself.” – Lessons we get from this line: any situation is not always in your control but how to respond to that is in our control. 

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift… that’s why they call it present”

We can choose our attitude about how we want to start our day.  Every work environment needs positive energy. The fish Co-worker has fun while they work, and fun is energizing. If we are happy, we can make our customers happy. We need to find how we can make our work enjoyable. 

Other lessons from this book is that  we need to understand our attitude towards any work or family members or co-workers. We need to be there for family members or co-workers to understand their situation and feelings. Sometimes we need to make their day when they need to. We just do not need to complain about anything but need to find a solution. If we apply this Fish philosophy to our life then we will be on the path of success.  

 

Title of the book: Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results

Author: Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen

The genre of the book: Self-help

We read this book in our life class and having a deadline on head completed the book within few hours. While reading the book I realised how we can relate to characters and take so much from the book. Life lessons are indeed important as sometimes in the routine life we forget to implement or try new things in life. To maintain the pace of life we forget to slow down and give sometime to other stress busters around. The story was about a wife, mother and a manager who was determined to proceed happily in life and how in her way she learnt to do this. I am posting the key takeaways from the book which I shall implement in my life too.

Key Takeaways of the Book:-
1. Life is unpredictable so its the attitude we choose matters
2. Work place is the place where we spend maximum time of our life so it shall be worth wile to spend and we shall not sulk for coming to work
3. Our energy inspires other as well so we shall carry positive energy with us
4. Have faith in what we decide to do then only success is possible
5. If any part of our life we choose to make a pit then we can try making it something else also