Synopsis
Here's another management parable that draws its lesson from an
unlikely source--this time it's the fun-loving fishmongers at Seattle's
Pike Place Market. In Fish! the heroine, Mary Jane Ramirez, recently
widowed and mother of two, is asked to engineer a turnaround of her
company's troubled operations department, a group that authors Stephen
Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen describe as a "toxic energy
dump." Most reasonable heads would cut their losses and move on. Why
bother with this bunch of losers? But the authors don't make it so easy
for Mary Jane. Instead, she's left to sort out this mess with the help
of head fishmonger Lonnie. Based on a bestselling corporate education
video, Fish! aims to help employees find their way to a fun and happy
workplace. While some may find the story line and prescriptions--such
as "Choose Your Attitude," "Make Their Day," and "Be
Present"--downright corny, others will find a good dose of worthwhile
motivational management techniques. If you loved Who Moved My Cheese?
then you'll find much to like here. And don't worry about Mary Jane and
kids. Fish! has a happy ending for everyone.
Editorial Reviews
From AudioFile
Do you work in a "toxic energy dump"? Do you or your employees seem
stuck in the doldrums all the time? Well then, FISH! is for you.
Mallory Kasdan enthusiastically and energetically reads this tale of a
manager of a department in which everyone has lost ambition, energy,
and helpfulness. Through Kasdan's passionate narration, we learn how
the Pike Place Fish Market--with their secrets for success and improved
attitude--helps the manager encourage her staff to be involved and
conscientious about what they do. FISH's philosophy will help people in
any business regain their energy and passion for their lives and work.
M.B.K. 2002 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
About the Authors
Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., is a writer, filmmaker, and educator who has
inspired audiences on five continents to discover a way of being at
work that honors the life energy spent there. As a former national
marketing director, business school dean, and serial entrepreneur,
Steve's writing and speaking is a mixture of powerful concepts and
practical ideas. He lives with his wife, Janell, and dog, Bo, in
Maplewood, Minnesota.
Excerpt
Excerpted from Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results
by Stephen C. Lundin Ph.D., Harry Paul, John Christensen, Stephen C.
Lundin. Copyright © 2000. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
Foreword by Ken Blanchard, Ph.D., co-author of The One Minute Manager, Raving Fans, and Gung Ho!
Fish! is an incredible story that John Christensen first caught on
film. He and his company, ChartHouse, produced an amazing video on the
world famous Pike Place Fish market in Seattle. I have been showing
this video at every one of my seminars to illustrate what happens when
you create Gung Ho! employees--you ignite your workforce and create
Raving Fans. Now Stephen Lundin, and long-term colleague of
mine Harry Paul, have teamed up with John to bring the Fish! story to
print. In whatever media it appears, it's a fabulous love story. As the
book suggests, "When we choose to love the work we do, we can catch our
limit of happiness, meaning, and fulfillment every day." How
important is that? Incredibly important, especially when you consider
that people spend about 75 percent of their adult wake time doing
work-related activities--getting ready for work, traveling to work,
working, contemplating work, and decompressing after work. If we spend
that much time in that part of our lives, we ought to enjoy it and be
energized by it. And yet, too many people are trading time on the job
to satisfy needs elsewhere; "Thank God It's Friday" is still a way of
life for many people. Those days can stop now--if you read
Fish!, share it with everyone with whom you work, and implement the
four secrets and suggested strategies that Lundin, Paul, and
Christensen give you. I guarantee that every manager will benefit from
Fish!, because it will not only increase employee retention, it will
motivate people to take pride in what they do. People like to work in
an environment that is fun, energizing, and where they can make a
difference. The Fish! philosophy will also benefit every employee,
because it prevents burnout and will keep you excited about what you
do. As you can tell, I'm excited about Fish! I think this is a
marvelous book. The story of the world famous Pike Place Fish market is
fantastic. But this book is not just about selling fish; it's a love
story that can happen in your organization, too.
Product Details
Hardcover: 112 pages
Carton Size: 20 books
Publisher: Hyperion Books (March 8, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786866020
ISBN-13: 9780786866021
Product Dimensions: 8.59 x 5.53 x 0.54 inches
Shipping Weight: 0.54 pounds
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