SMILE "PIKE PLACE FISH CO."

The FISH! philosophy is a workplace management system created by John Christensen. The system was first published as a film, with a spin-off series of books. The central concepts of the system were inspired by the observed work culture at Seattle's Pike Place Fish Market, anecdotes about which are often used as illustrations in the film and books.

On a visit to Seattle, Christensen observed how animated and happy the employees at Seattle's Pike Place Fish Market were in their work. They filled orders by flinging fish to each other, inciting laughter from the customers and compliments about their throwing/catching abilities, or commiseration if they missed. Employees would often invite customers to join the fun. The Pike Place employees gave their complete attention to each of their customers and ensured each had an enjoyable visit.

Christensen realized that not only were the workers making a routine errand fun for themselves and their customers, they also were selling tons of fish. He constructed the FISH! Philosophy from his observations of Pike Place employees, arriving at four key concepts:

* Play
* Make Their Day
* Be There [for Coworkers] (Often referred to as "Be Present" This is more to do with giving your full attention to a task or individual.)
* Choose Your Attitude