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In 2008, I was part of NASA’s Leadership Development Program. One of our learning modules was held in Seattle, Washington. So, on the plane ride to Seattle, I read the book Fish!
Written as a parable, Fish! helps its readers find the deep source of energy, creativity, and passion that exists in them by learning to love what they do…even if at the moment they may not be doing exactly what they love.
The authors offer these 4 tips to boost organization morale and improve results:
- “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. When you are doing what you’re doing, who are you being? Are you being impatient, bored, or world famous? You’re going to act differently if you’re being world famous. As a leader, find a message that communicates the notion of choosing your attitude in a way that everyone will understand and personalize. Provide them with motivation then be persistent…
- “Play”: The fish guys have fun while they work, and fun is energizing. How could we have more fun and create more energy? As American author John Gardner pointed out, “There is something I know about you that you may not even know yourself. You have within you more resources of energy than have ever been tapped, more talent than has ever been exploited, more strength than has ever been tested, and more to give than you have ever given.”
- “Make Their Day”: The fish guys look for as many ways as they can to create great memories. And they recognize that they create memories when they make someone’s day. The playful way they do their work allows them to find creative ways to engage customers. By “engage”, they try to respectfully include customers in their fun. When they’re successful, it makes their customers’ day…and this formula has worked now for more than 30 years…
- “Be Present”: The fish guys are fully present. They are scanning the crowd and interacting with customers. They talk to each customer as if they were a long lost friend.
How do these lessons apply to your workplace? If you’re wanting to create an “out of this world” experience as you shoot for the stars, try this advice:
- Please choose to make today a great day. Your colleagues, customers, team members, and you yourself will be thankful.
- Find ways to play. We can be serious about our work without being serious about ourselves.
- Stay focused in order to be present when your customers and team members most need you. And should you feel your energy lapsing, try this surefire remedy:
- Find someone who needs a helping hand, a word of support, or a good ear—and make their day.
I enjoy bringing fun and play to the workplace. My first management roles were in my area of technical expertise: HR Management. Then, I moved over to our HR Development Office. When I arrived, I was told very clearly that their office “didn’t sing for birthdays” even though they had two of the best singers in the entire HR Office! At the time, we were facing some big reductions in the training budget, and I noticed that our staff meetings were depressing & quiet, so one day, I decided it was time to sing, “Happy Birthday!” Since I can’t carry a tune, many people smiled and laughed (probably at me), but the mood in the room changed for the rest of the meeting. As a result, I sought more opportunities to sing…for Safety Day and other unique events… Over the years, I’ve found that people can’t help but laugh and smile after a song (although now, I hate to admit, there are as many groans as smiles)!
Find your song…toss your fish…or do what you need to do to bring fun to your workplace and your team…as you shoot for the stars!