Is there a such thing as a waste of time?

Comment

Comment by Lynne Christensen on January 11, 2010 at 9:47am

Did John Turner ever get a hold of you? I had him read your blog and is an amazing FISH! Philosopher, within the golf industry. Let me know if you need his contact. He would be happy to support you anyway he could.

Comment by Lynne Christensen on November 19, 2009 at 11:15am

Well, it is not unusual to have nay sayers and folks that just do not want to see progress of any kind. I would frame conversations around (have a dry erase board or lecture pad so you can document responses
boldly)
1) Why would we not want to be there for each other and our guests, that keep us employed?
2) What would be the reason for wanting to create a toxic work environment?
3) why would we not want to try to work together to create a workplace that is a place we all feel comfortable and happy in?
Come in from an opposite direction that will have those who have doubt, speak up. Then after each question, open up the discussion and ask for response (from their peers) and solutions to the contribution, from the group. Our conversation cards and attitude cards are brilliant activities you can structure those points of attitude choices and interest through, and by executing the activities...they are demonstrating for themselves the impact of attitude and choices.
Sometimes having one of them conduct a meeting or exercise, allows them a feeling of empowerment to make a difference in a positive way and lead... not follow. Check out the activities under Trainer Tools or call me Lynne 800.811.5216. I have worked with many golf courses and am curious as to where you are.

thanks!

Comment by Char on July 22, 2009 at 2:32pm

Lanie, I have the utmost confidence that you will do a GREAT job in delivering your first FISH! meeting. Here's a little tip for you that I hope will help. First off, understand that many times people might be rejecting ideas such as this because there is fear that it will involve change or it may possibly add more work to their plates, so start by assuring them that your goal is to reduce the workload and create a place that they can look forward to coming to each day. Secondly start the meeting by acknowledging their skepticism and ask them to please keep an open mind in the attitude they are choosing and tell them that while you believe it could make a difference what you really want is a chance for them to help you make it work. Then, feel free to read them the following testimonials.... I suggest you pay particular attention to this first one because it is about a company that recently received a best place to work award and credits thier success to the “Fish Philosophy”. I uess adopting The FISH! Philosophy turned out to be one of their BEST uses of time :) Anyway ...I hope this all helps you better realize that what you are doing is NOT a waste of time! :)

The Phoenix Business Journal and BestCompaniesAZ, co-founders of the “Best Places to Work” list, announced today that Planned Development Services, Inc. (PDS) has been named to the 2008 list in the small-sized category (under 100 employees).

The “Best Places to Work” list, which was started in 2003, recognizes Valley companies who, through a third party administered employee survey, rank their respective companies as being the best places to work. The areas surveyed are varied parts of employee life, including workplace environment, leadership direction, culture, and management practices.

PDS was acknowledged for creating an enjoyable corporate culture and work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for its employees. "We are excited to rank # 6 on the “Best Place to Work” in the Valley list this year. Making the list is truly an honor that undoubtedly provides all of our employees with a sense of pride, said Vice President Linda Shaughnessy of PDS. We credit our success to the “Fish Philosophy” with having fun at work, enjoying what you do and in the process giving World Famous customer service. Our business culture is evident based on wonderful leadership. Lori Rutledge, President and Linda Shaughnessy created a non-profit charity that provides tangible assistance to families and support to communities. P.R.I.D.E was set up to minimize the impact of foreclosure challenges in the metro area and surrounding cities. P.R.I.D.E accepts donations as well. We are proud to have a few new corporate sponsors within the past few months including Community Association Bank, a division of Mutual of Omaha Bank.

Title: Fish Testimonial

From: Nakeya Pinkney of IKEA Direct

Statement:

“I’ve been teaching FISH for about 5 months and I’ve witness a change in the coworkers that have attended. The moment participants enter the room, they become an instant family; cheering each other on, bringing others into their work group loop, sympathizing and hearing one another out. It’s amazing how many people think that they truly don’t have a voice or a choice in the structure of their work environment and attitude. FISH helps to show them that they are in control of how they are treated by others and themselves. It’s an opportunity to allow them to see that PLAYING, BEING THERE, MAKING THEIR DAY, and CHOOSING YOUR ATTITUDE can help them full up their “cup of self fulfillment” especially when they are directing this energy towards someone else. Thank you FISH, for showing myself & my coworkers that these simple actions and choices, can make such a positive difference in our work lives as well as our home lives.”


Sincerely,


Nakeya Pinkney
Internal Communications Specialist
IKEA Direct (Baltimore, Maryland)