Book Review: FISH - by my friend Sri Sunderji

Today I am bringing out some topic not connected with Vedic Astrology. My friend Mr Sunder is in a top position with a private company in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana. He travels lot and enjoy the nature during his travels. He also reads a lot. He used to share with some of us his thoughts on his experiences as "Weekend Thoughts". I am extremely privileged to share one with you since I feel this will inspire you and modify your way of working.

Thanks Sunderji.

S Narayanan

Weekend Thoughts

Book Review: ‘Fish’ by S.C.Lundin, H. Paul, and J. Christensen

Does a book have to be voluminous, running into hundreds of pages in order to make an impact? Does brevity of words necessarily imply economy of thought? My answer to both queries: a resounding No! I am referring to a book titled ‘Fish’ by Lundin, Paul and Christensen (hereafter LPC). It was published back in 2001 by Hodder and Stoughton.

Pick up the book, and you could well be forgiven for getting put off by the title. (Happens all the time in a book shop these days, doesn’t it?). Well, the fish being referred to is from Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market. Imaginary as the story-line is, the fish market is at the centre of the effort by the authors to deliver powerful messages, and inspiring thoughts which would help any reader to love the work he/she does; boost performance and excel in life.

At a time when most nations are reeling under near recession and the job market all over the world appears to be shrinking; when competition is severe and work gets more and more demanding, this book, though published several years ago, appeared as a reminder to me of that common wish: if only work could become a play for all of us. According to the authors, there is no reason why it cannot. But then, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to thousands of working professionals having some amount of experience. They would know that it is possible to have “a more playfully productive atmosphere at work”; that being serious or formal or having a tense working environment rarely helps to boost productivity.

How do we go about making work more enjoyable and fun-filled? The book draws inspiration from the way fish is traded at the Pike Place in Seattle. It strives to provide insight to create “an innovative and accountable work environment where a playful, attentive, and engaging attitude leads to more energy, enthusiasm, productivity, and creativity”. It comes up with four simple and yet powerful principles. The authors believe that it is basically about having the right attitude. We must choose our attitude every day and choose it well. To quote from the book, “There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself”. We all know that most of work is mundane and boring. Given this situation, can we not try and turn the work to something interesting?

Consider the following logic:

1.       Usually, any given work involves a group of individuals performing different elements (tasks) in order to achieve the end objective of that work.

2.       The individuals could go around with their tasks either in a cold, tense environment with

frowning faces; or in a happy, relaxed manner.

3.       Being happy and relaxed at work does not necessarily mean being casual or unconcerned.

4.       Human beings, by nature, would prefer to be happy and relaxed at any time, instead of tense and worked up.

Despite the above, why is it that we have so much tension, argument and disagreement at work?

Well, there could be a variety of reasons: lack of trust, differing perceptions, poor communication, varied personalities, improper planning, lack of professionalism; as well as poor skills on the part of one or more persons engaged in that work. The second principle that LPC come up with is this: try and convert work into a play. This would add so  much fun to what we are all doing in the work situation. In turn, it would bring in so much energy and creativity to what we all do. The result? We would be able to perform better; and in a happier, enjoyable frame of mind. Remember the old saying, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’?

Whatever be the nature of work that we perform, either as an individual or as part of a team, the

output of our work forms the input for another individual or team. The latter could be termed as our customer. If such people are part of the same organization, we could call them internal customers. On the other hand, if they are outside our organization, and are paying for the goods and/or services that we deliver, they could be referred to as external customers.

Be that as it may, LPC believe that for achieving success in our work, we must strive to include our

customers in all the fun and happiness that we seek to generate. Let us not ignore our customers. Let us perform beyond their expectations. And delight them. Which brings us to the third principle: Make Their Day. To quote from the book, “The fish guys include the customers in their good time. They engage their customers in ways which create energy and goodwill. The atmosphere is one of inclusion.” The message is clear. Let’s create happiness and joy for our customers as well. As individuals, if we try and make each other’s day, wouldn’t it bring about so much fun and energy into the work environment?

More important: wouldn’t it improve the quality of work that we all do?

The fourth and final point that the book makes is equally important. This is about being fully present at work. “Be There”, say the authors. We cannot remain detached in any work situation. We should stay focused and be available to each other as well as to our customers. Indeed, the latter are the reason for our existence. Each of us needs to interact, to engage, and communicate. Surely this would improve the working and create goodwill all around? While discussing an issue with our colleagues, let us be fully present, let us truly listen and not allow ourselves to be distracted. Don’t we all know that it is better to be disagreed with than to be ignored? “Fish” is truly worth a read.

End

P. Sunder

(25 May, 2013)