FISH! PHILOSOPHY

OBJECTIVES Understand the purpose of FISH! in your life/workplace/school. Understand the four principles of FISH! Apply the principles of FISH! to your life/workplace/school.

PRINCIPLES #1

BE THERE Nearly all of us have learned to listen only for what fits what we want to hear. It’s difficult to hear what other people are saying if your mind is busy with concerns, fears or judgments about who they are or why their words are right or wrong, or if you are preparing a response. BE THERE, being truly present, means suspending what you think you know while you are listening.

BE THERE Pick a partner….. Define roles One person should have pencil and paper. The other person will mentally choose a simple object. Turn back to back with partner. Describe the object to your partner and ask them to follow your directions and draw object. Once done face each other. Question……Did your partner draw the same object? What is required to truly be accurate?

PRINCIPLE #2

MAKE THEIR DAY It’s natural to want to MAKE THEIR DAY when it comes to those who brighten your day. But what about those people who seem to suck the energy out of the room whenever they enter? Why not see how far this principle can go and conspire with a few students / coworkers to MAKE THEIR DAY! You might be surprised at their positive responses and they might pass it on. After all, everyone wants to feel valued.

MAKE THEIR DAY Think about a time when someone made your day. What changed the mood? Answer #2 on handout! What do you do to put your loved ones in a better mood? Answer #3 on handout! What can you do to make your good mood and energy contagious? Answer #4 on handout! Look for grouchy people. Can you make them smile?

MAKE THEIR DAY FEEDBACK GAME Write your name on the top of your paper. Have Fun! Pass the paper to your right. Write something you like, respect, or admire about that person. Continue to pass the paper to the right. Write something you like respect, or admire about that person. Continue this process until you get the paper back with your name on it.

MAKE THEIR DAY Follow up: How did it feel to read the positive comments about yourself? Answer #5 on handout! Have you heard these positive statements before? Answer #6 on handout! How well or often do we give positive feedback or look for the good in others? Answer #7 on handout!

PRINCIPLE # 3

PLAY PLAY is a spirit. It is more than just fun, it is an invitation to lightheartedness. PLAY is the feeling you release inside people when they are enthused and committed. PLAY makes your job fun. PLAY is energizes the creativity and problem solving abilities within you. PLAY makes boring tasks, easier to do.

PLAY WORK versus PLAY…….. What do you What do you feel when you feel when you are at “WORK or School”? Are at “PLAY”?

ACTIVITY When you get impatient with someone and want to roll your eyes, what could you do instead….. Answer #8 on handout! The most unpleasant part of school/work would become my favorite part if only I got to…. Answer #9 on handout! What are some ways you can make your workplace/classroom a fun place to learn? What could you do? Answer #10 on handout!

PRINCIPLE #4

CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE There are many things we can’t control; the weather, other human beings, economic downturns, traffic. The only thing we can control is our response to those and other challenges. Sometimes it takes standing up for what needs to change. Sometimes it means accepting what is. In order to live the other three principles consistently, you will have to recognize that whether you want to or not, you choose your attitude. No matter how bad a situation is there are always little things to celebrate and appreciate

CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE How important is attitude in the workplace/classroom? Answer #11 on handout! What examples can you give that proves we can choose our attitude? Answer #12 on handout!

Our School Philosophy Together we can make it great! Let’s BE THERE for each other by staying focused on what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. A kind gesture can MAKE THEIR DAY When we do things, big and small, to make them feel good. Good and bad things happen every day, but you can always – CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE! We know learning is more fun when we throw ourselves into it, so let’s PLAY!

Our WORKPLACE As you enter this place of work 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 THERE – when your customers and team members most need you. And should you feel your energy lapsing, try this sure-fire remedy: Find someone who needs a helping hand, a word of support, or a good ear and MAKE THEIR DAY!

CLOSING Answer the following questions: What is the most important thing that I took away from the FISH Philosophy? … Answer #13 on handout! To what, do you attribute the success of this fish market? Answer #14 on handout! What specific concept(s) from this lesson could I immediately apply to my life? Answer #15 on handout!