Changing an engrained culture -
Take one toxic energy dump and just add FISH.
FISH! by S C Lundin.
On the first read I found this book all a bit underwhelming. I was frustrated by a storey line of almost fairy tale convolution, leading to a mushy ending; components, such as character personal tragedy, being inserted for no apparent material purpose.
The story is about the discovery of four 'secrets' how to boost moral and improve results. The implementation is dealt with little or no resistance and there is no consideration of the longer term impact or what the next step might be to continue the development of the work place culture - but then how much can you fit in 100 pages?
Okay, so I didn't work for me. But everyone is different and its not aimed at the individual. There are many stories around of where this book has been used by struggling groups as a key part of a major culture change. It worked because it's a nice easy read; the messages are simple to grasp and action. This book would work well with a broad group who maybe are not convinced there is a problem or an opportunity. I am looking for answers and don't need to be convinced why or what could be the result. Horses for courses I guess.
The key message is really in the forward:
Learn to love what you do - Don't miss the wonderful life available today while you strive to be able to do what you believe you will love.
The book is about ways to better enjoy what you do now. It does not say 'don't strive for better', but accepts the reality that there are many reasons why this may not be achievable or that it may not be as great when you get there. How many movie stars have told us this?
The four key 'Secrets' are fairly simple:
1. Choose your attitude - Similar to the Covey first habit, the realisation that you have the ability to choose the attitude you bring to work. This is not easy on an individual basis, but if the group all agrees to do this together there is a change in the group trust level and makes it easier for all. It is one of the rare cases where often the change in action can lead to a change in attitude.
2. Play - Find ways to enjoy the work place. Again, this requires buy-in from a large proportion of the workplace.
3. Make their day - This is an interesting one. It's about specific personalised focus. Engaging with the customer in a memorable and unique way. Being more than simply good service its often a small token action that differentiates the service you are giving from what is expected from others.
4. Be present - Focus. Do not be distracted from the person you are dealing with. The book talks about people, rather than task focus, and how that also leaves a lasting impression upon the receiver.
Looking back at these four items, they are not in themselves great secrets. But package them in a nice easy to read story and then say "How about we give it a go?" and see what happens. If you can get the group to "Okay", take a few personal risks yourself to show commitment to the effort, there is every chance this could be the beginning of some fairly radical changes to your work culture. They are then good base rules to begin a significant change for the better, and as a leader this may be just the catch you need.
Cheers
Steve
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Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results - Stephen C. Lundin - also available at Amazon.co.uk Read the editorials on 'Fish'! |
