Personal Development is VERY Fishy!

A bit of fish philosophy goes a long way.

We’ve all been inspired by the little fish Nemo who was eager to get out of the fish tank and explore new possibilities and adventures. Also inspired by fishy fun is the “Fish Philosophy,” created by Charthouse Learning after seeing the active and fun environment of the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle.

You can use these clever (and fishy!) personal development practices to create happiness in your workplace and greatly improve customer satisfaction.

While not everyone agrees about their sustainability on a daily basis these tips continue to be a helpful guide to improving the atmosphere at work for staff and customers alike.

APPLY A BIT OF FISH PHILOSOPHY TO YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

When customers need your assistance, be there for them! Be aware of any judgements or negative thinking in your mind and put these thoughts aside to fully attend to the person standing in front of you now, in the moment.

This practice is not only helpful in the workplace, but is also a wonderful communication technique in your personal life. It strengths communication with friends and family and helps to build all sorts of relationships.

BE PRESENT IN ALL YOUR INTERACTIONS

Be there for the person in front of you! In one of the videos from Pike Place Fish Market, a staff member helps a customer make a special video for her elderly father.

Even if your work or daily life is serious stuff you can still maintain a fun and playful mindset. Get creative and enthusiastic about whatever you are doing and that will help to increase your happiness and satisfaction.

Employees at Pike Place Fish Market call out to each other in an entertaining way and throw fish around. A playful and fun mindset is addictive.

MAKE IT A HAPPY PLACE

I wrote a story once about a café and a particular customer who was very friendly and chatty to everyone. Over time this attitude changed the atmosphere of the café making it a popular place. It was fun, friendly and welcoming.

If you know of a happy cafe, restaurant or other workplace please let me know by leaving a comment on this post!

You can make any place a happy place by using a simple personal development technique of changing your mindset.

RECOGNIZE THOSE AROUND YOU

One important practice for leaders and managers is to appreciate their staff with simple gestures of recognition. When you recognize and appreciate your staff and customers this increases good vibes throughout the place. And it makes you feel good too.

RECOGNIZE YOURSELF TOO WITH SELF AWARENESS

You always have a choice what thoughts and attitudes you have in life. You can choose to be positive or negative, grumpy or joyful, angry or understanding. It’s really up to you. 

You have the power to improve results and boost morale at your workplace. It only takes one person to initiate this dynamic change.

A very important personal development technique is self-awareness. What are you feeling now?

Ask yourself:

• What thoughts or behaviours can I change to increase my happiness and help the people around me?
• How can I be most effective?

Let me hear from you in the comments!