When Fish Fly: Lessons for Creating a Vital and Energized Workplace from the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market

The book sets the tone in a sloppy, smelly, dirty working environment: FISH! We all know the smell of fish, we all know what we need too do to prepare fish, we know the aroma of the house after fish is prepared, now imagine you are working in that atmosphere 50 hours a week--WOW! Talk about a dirty job. So how do you keep partners, employees, staff, managers pumped up about going to work, or the job in that surrounding? YOU do what Mr. Yokohoma did, does; you change the mental atmosphere of the environment. You empower people, you give them trust, you give them reign, you let them be them--but you still have to change and that is what the whole premises of this book is about--for years Mr. Yokohoma went to work, dreading the environment he was in charge of, so he changed his attitude, his mental awareness to that of a man who needed to change in order for work to be engaging, fulfilling, entertaining, meaningful; but not just for him but his staff as well--he had a gold mine, but he had to create something other than I AM IN CHARGE too givings others the opportunity to grasp and take the lead to a fruitful establishment--the author did a great job at bringing out the owners idea, creativity, honesty and little hidden stories about how success is a group thing and not a Lone Ranger.

Some years ago at a team building event - the facilitator introduced how to have "fun" at the workplace by sharing the "Fish" video - introducing the Pike Place Fishmarket. We chuckled at it - and used some ideas to have more fun. Then in 2006, I visited Seattle - and by coincidence - I walked by the actual Fish Market. I remembered the video and realized this was THE place. I observed the chemistry and when I arrived home I started seaching for more information about the Pike Place Fish market. At Amazon I came accross this book, which more or less is an autobiography from the owner of the market - and gives a great insight to the background - the why and how - of the concepts that they have embraced at the market. I am so glad I started here with this book - before I learned more about the concept and introduced "Fish" at our workplace. I can highly recommend the book.

I bought three copies of this book for our management committee because although the message is simple, it is very powerful - create an atmosphere where everyone is totally committed to your mission. I liked it because it is inspiring, but an easy read. While it doesn't really give you a lesson plan (or one of those stupid acronyms that are so popular with self-help books), it gives you an example of a business where the collective will of the group of employees and their boss made a profound impact on the business.

This was a book the owner wanted to read and have the employees read it. It has just arrived, but looks like it is what it was described to be as a morale booster for employer and employees.

Our company book club, we have one every year, this was our favorite book.Helped create dialog between all of our staff and improved our personal lives as well as our work relationships & more.I would personally recommend this book to any individual or business, who wants to improve their life; this one book can do it.Lawrence, Allen Marine Tours/Juneau AK.

The book tells a really inspiring story about how it is possible to turn a team, a company around to delivering excellence and beyond.I've read quite a few management and team building related books, and still mention this one before any other books on the same topic.- It is a realy honest book- It is about real people with their real story- The author shows how he had to change first- It is a very simple, quick read that will stick.ThanksBart

Worth it the read. Easy to follow the concepts that can sometimes be vague in this type of book. Highly recommended.

This wasn't what I was originally looking for. I wanted a video of the Pike Place Fish Market. This book did prove to be interesting though. It isn't a must read, but was fairly informative.

This is one of the best books I have read in years. The advice reminds me a bit of method acting, so very easy to follow.

If good customer service is your thing, then this book is a must.