Now that you’ve read FISH!, the question is: How do I bring this into my life? Here are some fundamental lessons we have learned from people who have successfully applied this philosophy at work and home. We have also included four stories taken from real life that show each of the practices in action. In each story a light heart, a will to serve, a commitment to being present, and accepting personal responsibility for your choice of attitude have paved the way to personal or organizational transformation.
Who are you being? FISH! is not a set of rules or a checklist of steps to complete. It’s a way of thinking, a lens that helps you see more clearly how to be the person you want to be. The practices of FISH! help you to be more aware of who you are “being” while you’re doing what you’re doing.
It starts with YOU. No one else can live FISH! for you. No matter what is happening around you, you alone are in charge of choosing how you want to live.
Your choice attracts others. When you live FISH!, you experience a positive change in your relationships and in yourself. Like-minded people will notice and ask, “What are you doing? How can I do it, too?”
Your words create your world. The way you speak affects how you think and act. The FISH! practices offer a positive language that shifts your conversations, both internal and external, toward what you can do to make life better for one another.
Acknowledge one another. In communities that keep the spirit of FISH! alive, members recognize one another for living it. When you see a colleague living one or more of the practices with a customer or coworker, thank them for what they did and who they were being while they did it. You will Make Their Day and reinforce your mutual commitment to FISH! at the same time.
Lead by example. The most effective leaders today lead through their example. If you are a leader—and we all lead from different places—the FISH! Philosophy is a powerful way to practice servant leadership. If you want your team to live FISH!, first live it yourself.
FISH! is a way, not a day. When introducing FISH!, some organizations focus on Play first, and they think it has to be a day, such as Crazy Hat Day or Fun Fridays. Any activity that brings colleagues together in a spirit of camaraderie, appreciation, and fun is good; just don’t forget about the rest of the week. You can find joy at work and make a positive difference even if you’re not wearing a goofy tie.
The FISH! practices work together. The four practices are interconnected. Where you find one, you’ll find the others. While each of the following stories highlights one practice, look to see how the other three practices also show up.