One Fish, Two Fish
We have a new fish – Richard Everson in Murrumbateman, near Canberra, has joined us and already brings a contribution to our business blog. Have you heard of the book “Fish!” – the story of the Seattle fish market? It’s inspiring, even for a cynical pom like me. The book and the video Richard sent over talk about how enormous a difference it makes when people have fun at work.
The book gives some help on how to engender a fun work environment and how help can come from within. Your business' culture is a vital contributor to its success. Helping your friends at work have some fun while they work is a good place to start.
Jon Dale
Small Fish Business Coaching
www.smallfish.com.au
David Lockett 10-Jan-2011 11:39 AM
I have been to Seattle and have visited the fish market covered in the video. The market is a relatively small part although very prominent part of a much larger and very vibrant up-market location overlooking Puget Sound.
You would need to take the video and possibly the book (which I have not yet read) in context. This is because the small business culture in Seattle and the culture along the entire West Coast of the USA is very different to the local culture in Western Australia.
To re create in WA what has been created at that fish market in Seattle would require a very substantial change to the local culture in Western Australia. This is because most Western Australians do not think or act as many West Coast Americans think and act (this may however not be a bad thing).
I believe that most of us who live in Western Australia have a far better deal than most of the people who live in Seattle, and I know that I certainly prefer to be living here in Western Australia.
Jon Dale 10-Jan-2011 11:41 AM
Hi David
I’d rather live in Aus, too (I’m in Byron Bay). I like the Fish story and I agree it has to be read as a parable rather than actually suggesting that we should be like that fish market.
Keep commenting, we like it :)
Jon
David Lockett 10-Jan-2011 11:42 AM
Here is another story, which I can verify is true, and is followed by a question that interests me.
Several years ago Donald Trump was asked on a TV talk show in the US, what he would do if he were starting over again with nothing.
His reply was that he would find a good network marketing company and go to work.The studio audience immediately booed him loudly, evidently indicating that they did not like his reply.
The question is, who's viewpoint should we take the most notice of? That of Donald Trump who is a highly experienced and very successful businessman, or the individuals in the audience who outnumbered him by possibly 200 to 1?
