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The FISH! Philosophy, Explained

Eight pages that answer the questions people ask most about FISH!, from where it began to what each practice looks like at work.

What Is the FISH! Philosophy? A Clear Guide to the Four Practices
FISH! Philosophy How Can Work Feel More Engaging?

Explore the story behind FISH!, its four practices, and how teams turn everyday choices into stronger connection, creativity, and trust. Managers and team members will find practical language for shaping a workplace where people want to contribute.

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The FISH! Philosophy Story Behind the Pike Place Fish Market
FISH! Philosophy How FISH! Began at Pike Place Fish Market

Learn how a struggling Seattle fish market inspired John Christensen, the FISH! film, and a philosophy used by more than 30,000 organizations. See why its practices still give managers and teams a practical way to shape workplace culture.

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How the FISH! Philosophy Builds a Stronger Service Culture
FISH! Philosophy What FISH! Changes at Work

See how organizations in healthcare, education, business, and government use the FISH! Philosophy to strengthen service, teamwork, and engagement. Case studies and workplace research show managers and team members what culture change can make possible.

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Watch The FISH! Philosophy Video: The Pike Place Fish Market Story
FISH! Philosophy How to Use the FISH! Film With Your Team

Explore the film shot at Pike Place Fish Market, why it reaches 20 languages and 32 countries, and how teams use it to explore four practices. Managers and team members will find ideas for stronger service, connection, and culture.

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What It Means to Be Present at Work: Be There and the FISH! Philosophy
FISH! Philosophy How to Be Present When Your Team Needs You

Learn how Be There means showing up physically, mentally, and emotionally for the person in front of you. See how complete presence helps managers and teammates build trust, improve conversations, and strengthen workplace relationships.

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The FISH! Philosophy at Work: Choose Your Attitude Before the Day Chooses for You
FISH! Philosophy Bring More Choice to Difficult Moments

Learn how to notice the attitude you bring to each moment, decide whether it serves the people and work around you, and practice that choice in everyday team situations, so managers and teammates can respond with more care and purpose.

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Make Their Day: How the FISH! Philosophy Helps People Feel Seen
FISH! Philosophy How Do You Make People Feel Seen?

Learn how Make Their Day turns small, sincere acts into meaningful moments for customers and coworkers. Managers and team members will find practical ways to build appreciation, connection, and loyalty in everyday interactions.

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What Play Looks Like in the FISH! Philosophy
FISH! Philosophy Play Helps Teams Think More Creatively

See how Play brings energy, curiosity, and a lighter spirit to serious work, so teams can experiment, learn, and solve problems together. The page gives managers and team members practical ways to build creativity and resilience without losing professionalism.

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FISH! Blog

Ideas Worth Sharing

Leadership insights, culture stories, and practical ideas from the FISH! Philosophy community.

Pasta and Hugs
Blog Pasta and Hugs

Here’s a great FISH! story from one of our former colleagues: On my birthday a couple of years ago, my wife, kids and in-laws took me to an…

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Would You Like A Cookie With That?
Blog Would You Like A Cookie With That?

My friend Bob once stopped at a fast-food restaurant and placed an order that came with a cookie. The server responded, “And would you like a cookie with…

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Manufacturing Company Transforms Workplace with FISH!
Blog Manufacturing Company Transforms Workplace with FISH!

Actuant Electrical, Lumberton, NC Lumberton operation’s is a production facility that manufactures Acme Transformer™ brand transformers. Prior to 2009, before the recession hit our industry and our company…

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No One is Ever Alone
Blog No One is Ever Alone

Excerpt from the book: Schools of FISH! For Amy Amsden, a kindergarten teacher at Gage, The FISH! Philosophy matched her own philosophies. “FISH! is about better relationships,” she…

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“That’ll Never Work!”
Blog “That’ll Never Work!”

The director of organizational development for a large corporation shared the following story with us: “Recently we were in a brainstorming meeting. The ideas were coming fast and…

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A FISH! Tale: The Archery Story
Blog A FISH! Tale: The Archery Story

A nine-year-old boy, shopping with his father, approached the counter of the archery department at a large sporting goods retailer. He proclaimed to the salesman standing behind the…

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A FISH! Tale: Snowbound
Blog A FISH! Tale: Snowbound

A client who teaches at a university told a story that a teacher, who is a doctoral student in his class on educational leadership, told to their class…

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