Fish! - By Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen

Recently, on Veteran’s Day, my children and I took my dad out for dinner as a thank you for his service to our country. We couldn't help but all notice the disposition of our waitress. This was clearly not her ideal occupation. My dad and I began to think aloud of all the men and women who have found themselves either out of work, or perhaps like this waitress - having to find a job that they don’t want to do. Throughout the evening we tried to turn this waitress’ attitude around by showing her kindness, gratitude for her taking care of us, and even interest in her. Truett S. Cathy, the founder of a well-known national restaurant chain used to say, “If you aren’t having fun at work, you’re not doing it right.” This makes me think of the book series, Fish! (Fish!, Fish Tales, Fish Sticks and Fish for Life).

In Fish! the authors tells of the experience of visiting the the world famous Pikes Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington. The men and women who work there attribute the success of this market to the “fun, bustling, joyful atmosphere and great customer service.” The authors will take the reader through simple lessons learned from these Pike Place fishmongers on how to energize your team, increase employee retention, motivate your team to take pride in their work, and transform the workplace. Overall they help us know how to choose to love the work we do - reminding us that “there is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself.” The authors point out the danger in “our quest for ideal work focuses us on the future” and that’s when “we will miss the amazingly wonderful life that is available today, in this moment.” After all, “if we are going to be at work, we might as well have the best day we can have” while there at work.

Now I’d love to tell you that our waitress turned her frown upside down and enjoyed the rest of her night, but truth is - I don’t know. I do know that just as employees can choose their demeanor at work, we too, as guests - can choose our attitude in how we treat the cashier that rings us up, the technician trying to help us, the receptionist that assists us with our questions, and the waiter, clerk or order taker who serves us. And whether at work or just every day in life - we can “choose” to have fun and be in the moment, today.