Applying The Fish Philosophy in the workplace is one of the top ways to change an organization’s culture. In part one, I shared the basics of the first two practices in the book. “Being there” and “Play.” Next comes practice three and four and without the combination, the change factor will not work. So on we go…
Everyone has a bad day. The unfortunate part of leadership is that we can never show it. If our actions or speech demonstrate a bad day, then EVERYONE has a bad day. This is why making their day (your team) everyday is so important!
Research proves that the brain responds to emotion. Memories are engrained from emotional experiences. Think back. Have you had an experience that brought on tears? Or even an event where a specific smell was present? Anything that ties to emotions or senses creates a memorable experience…good or bad.
Making someone’s day refers to serving others with a small and delightful experience. A thank you note left on someones desk. An email of appreciation recognizing an action by an employee that may often be overlooked. An individual greeting in the morning. A simple gesture signifying, “I see you and appreciate you.”
This step will come easy for you. These are quick, private gestures. Small notes or gifts that can sometimes be done without having a face-to-face interaction. To an employee these gestures say a million words.
Respond often to others by making their day in the ways that come natural to you. But don’t forget to come out of your shell and make face-to- face gestures as well. Recognition in the moment is powerful!
Face-to-face and personal gestures will be your strength. If you are a leader that is good at step one (Be There), you will have no problem with seeing the small details that each team member puts forth.
The opposite of this strength is the difficulty of prioritizing others. Extroverts sometimes struggle with taking their eyes off themselves and demanding their own attention. Recognizing this habit and beginning to silence your voice can help you in looking beyond yourself. There is no more powerful response to building relationships than the ability to see into others!
Going back to a great leaders response to a bad day brings us to “Choose Your Attitude.” This is probably the hardest step and it demands ongoing practice. It begins with soul-searching.
Reflecting with the question of, “does my attitude help my team or hurt them? Am I responding to resistant individuals with patience or aggression?”
Digging into the roots of your response to life can be emotionally draining. But if it’s not recognized, your response to situations that arise will reveal your true nature…AKA: define your integrity.
Not to sound negative myself in describing this step, but I want to ring loud the importance of choosing your attitude. You could potentially negate every action from the previous steps if your attitude isn’t in check.
Every type of personality has to choose to submit to personal reflection. No matter your personality, strength, leadership style…attitude affects everything you do. You have the ability to take the worst possible situation and let negativity engulf your life. Or the power to take the same situation and choose joy.
Your response and the impact it has on others defines your integrity as a leader. Have close mentors hold you accountable as well as those in your personal life that know you best. Self-care is one of the best ways to begin to look inward. Don’t miss out on the life changing practice that can influence a culture.
And that’s a wrap. If you haven’t read Fish, put it at the top of your book list. It takes no time to read and the true story of fisherman finding this philosophy will inspire you from the inside out.
