Fish is an inventory story searching the deep source of creativity, energy and desire that exists within us by learning what one do, even if at the moment one may not be engrossed in anything what one love.
In this book one can find how a manager transforms a chronically unenthusiastic and unhelpful department into an effective team. The main characters in this story are Mary Jane and Mr. Lonnie. The people who were most important in her life were her two children Brad and Stacy and her spouse Dan. The book is not just about selling fish rather it is love story that can arise in any organization and that is what is portrayed through Mary Jane’s life.
Mary Jane found a supervisory position in the operations area of the First Guarantee, one of Seattle’s largest financial Institutions. After her husband death Mary Jane was alone to take care of her herself and her children. During the first three years at the First Guarantee Financial, Mary Jane got the reputation of “can do” supervisor. She followed a work ethic which was quite appreciable and in a short time her small group earned a reputation as a dependent and reliable team.
On the other hand, the third floor of the organization was mostly described as slow, irresponsible, zombie and unpleasant. Mary Jane was promoted to the third floor and she could not refuse it as she was undergoing financial crisis after her husband died. Bill, her immediate boss called the third floor as the Toxic Energy Dump. This phrase was very frustrating for her. She made up her mind to do something about it.
Bill warned Mary that if the third floor will not act in a productive manner then they will take some actions. Mary wanted to put spirit and passion into the third floor group. As she was thinking about it she reached to most famous “Pike Palace” Fish market. They possessed distinctive qualities to draw their customers. She was surprised to see the lively atmosphere and the way they were enjoying their work.
Mr. Lonnie approached her and she discussed her problems with him. He told Mary few tips as to what brought changes in his life too and the fish market. She received the four main lessons from him. There are four ingredients but choosing the right attitude is the core. A positive attitude can make a great day. She learn how the fish people choose the right attitude about the work they do.
She discovered the 2nd ingredient of an energy filled workplace i.e. Play. The scene at Pike place such as throwing fishes, kidding with each other gave her idea that one could be serious about the work but still can have the fun the way one works. The 3rd secret “Make their Day” helped Mary Jane to find solution to her problem by seeing how fish people look for ways in making great memories for customers.
The final ingredient Mary Jane discovered how the fish people are present when they are communicating with their customers. When one is present, one show consideration for the other person. Thus Mary Jane used the fish philosophies to remove the tag of Toxic Energy Dump and third floor employees used simple lessons learned from the Pike Palace fish people to become the most efficient group.
The book suggests, "When we choose to love the work we do, we can catch our limits of happiness, meaning and fulfillment everyday."