Fish A parable encloses the treasure of resilience, sustainability , productivity, creativity and Innovation.
The name FISH co-authored by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., Harry Paul,
and John Christensen is inspired by the famous Pike Place Fish Market at Seattle. The fish market is cold , wet, dreary, stinky and dismal.Despite of the existing reality the fish mongers chose to convert this dreaded place with enthusiasm and energy by making it lively . The visit to this market place forces a smile on people after observing the way the fish market operates. The writer might have taken this as a premise and proposed 4 timeless philosophy to lead a successful team .1)Choosing your attitude: Fishmongers chose to be lively rather than grumpy.2) Play: Enthusiasm and energy are the end result of the playful attitude demonstrated by the fishmongers. The flamboyant attitude of fishmonger has transformed this place. 3)Marking the presence, being vigilant and observant about the customers needs and requirements and making them involved respectfully in the madness . 4)Making Someone’s Day: Giving a unique experience to the customers makes their day and they never forget the way they were dealt with . This enforces them to visit the place over and over again.
The businesswomen Mary Jane at First Guarantee Financial have been assigned the responsibilities to lead the operations of Third Floor of The First Guarantee Financial The third floor is viewed with dread and apprehension by the employees of the organization . They are also described as Zombies .It is labelled as the TOXIC ENERGY DUMP The presumptions turned out to be true when she took charge of the Third Floor Having known the existing reality of the third floor she is in the dire need to change the situation for the better. She wanted to transform the place for the betterment of herself and her subordinates. Her quest begins and the story unfolds as to how did she manage to bring into effect the changes which she once dreamt for the Third Floor.
A short plot summary of the chapter/book
Choose your attitude , you don’t have much choice in choosing the work rather you have the choice to change your attitude. Also have faith in what you do . Not changing is rather more disastrous than fearing the consequences we might come across if we wish to change. Also being playful is what ensures liveliness, enthusiasm and immense energy.The fish market engages the customers respectfully and makes them a part of the madness going around the fish market . Making someone’s day is something which will unfold many aspects. BE PRESENT to the moment will help you be focused and serve the customers better. The quote in the book caught my attention. Past is a history , Future is a mystery and present is a gift hence the name present. The fourth philosophy is Make someone’s day . Try to provide helping hand to those in distress , lend an empathetic ear to their worries .Resolve the queries of the customers rather than making them toss from one counter to another without any intention to address their queries. After receiving the feedback as the zombies the third floor felt the need to be present to the customers needs. Also the conversation about eliminating that department and outsourcing it to the external company raised an alarming signal amidst the employees. The feeling of impediment , the job is adequate but does not extend to serve the external customers needs was obstructing the progress of Third Floor.The four philosophies mentioned seem as the bedrock to achieve the success in every responsibility we shoulder. Fish is the universal language which reinforces and taps the energy, enthusiasm , creativity and innovation hidden within each one of us.
This book is a good read for everyone . The language is simple yet eloquent. The big idea is transferred successfully. Those who are not avid readers will not find burdensome to complete the book. The vivid illustrations and real life situations mentioned in the parable aids in comprehending the meaning and capture the true essence of the parable.
Regards,
Kinjal Morkhia