ESU Fish Story

FISH! is Alive and Well at ESU #1

How do we captivate colleagues to enjoy their work? To have fun while on the job? To encourage them to have the right attitude each day as they interact with others? These are questions that could be addressed in a positive fashion at your district or within your classroom.

Consider adopting the FISH! Philosophy. In four easy steps, you could assist your staff and/or students with a new perspective and view of the important work they do.

Here's a quick summary highlighting each of the four philosophies.

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. Our daily, sometimes moment-by-moment attitude, affects how we perceive what we are doing as well as impacting the people we encounter and how they view themselves and their work. Keep in mind: Nobody forces you to be at your specific workplace--you choose to be there. Since you choose to be there, you have the opportunity to consciously choose your commitments and your attitude, as opposed to being at the mercy of other people's actions or the circumstances around you.

Be There. It's about who you are being while you are doing what you're doing. Being there for others includes: 1) looking at the speaker when they talk with you, 2) asking questions which demonstrate that you have been an active listener, and 3) concentrating on the conversation at hand. It takes concentration to focus on the speaker without making judgments about what they are saying, but the pay-off is definitely worth it.

Make Their Day. Understand that in every moment lies the possibility to make a positive impact on anyone you meet. This doesn't have to be a big production! It might be as easy as opening the door for someone whose arms are overflowing, remembering people's names even if you see them infrequently, or leaving an unexpected note to encourage a colleague going through a rough time. It's as easy as that. So plan right now to "make someone's day" today.

PLAY! An "all business" approach has a cost, a human cost. It's un-inspiring. However, the fun which people desire at the workplace is the very worry most organizations have. Often, there's a misunderstanding about "lightheartedness on the job". But if you consider play as learning, experimentation or interaction, creativity will flourish, the workplace environment will be more enjoyable, and patrons and students will see the difference and enjoy the journey with you.

That's it. The FISH! Philosophy in four easy steps. If your interest is peaked and you would like further information, please contact either Amy Hill, Rhonda Jindra, or Wendy Ellis at ESU #1 (402) 287-2061. You might also visit
http://www.charthouse.com for further ideas on how to implement the philosophy at your jobsite.

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This Page was last update: Thursday, March 3, 2005 at 3:09:10 PM
This page was originally posted: 11/12/03; 2:13:47 PM.
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