MARY JANE’S OUTLINE
Choose Your Attitude-The fish guys are aware that they choose their attitude each day. One of the fish guys said, "When you are doing what you are doing, who are you being? Are you being impatient and bored, or are you being world famous? You are going to act differently if you are being world famous." Who do we want to be while we do our work?
Play-The fish guys have fun while they work, and fun is energizing. How could we have more fun and create more energy?
Make Their Day-The fish guys include the customers in their good time. They engage their customers in ways which create energy and goodwill. Who are our customers and how can we engage them in a way that will make their day? How could we make each other’s days?
Be Present -The fish guys are fully present at work. What can the y t each us about being present for each other and our customers?
Please bring your thoughts with you on Monday.
That Weekend at the Fish Market
"Teacher give you an assignment?"
Stephanie looked up and simultaneously saw a fish fly through the air and Lonnie’s smiling face. "Hi. I guess you might say my boss gave me some homework."
"That wouldn’t be Mary Jane, would it?"
"How did you know?" Her response was drowned out by a monger shouting, "Three tuna flying away to Paris," with a fake French accent. Lonnie seemed to hear her anyway. No wonder they’re so good at being present, she thought. They have to be if they want to hear anything above all this commotion.
"I saw you here during the week with Mary Jane’s group. You are also the first yogurt dude I remember catching a fish as long as I’ve been here."
"Really?"
"So how can I help you? You seem puzzled."
She looked down at her notes. "I think I understand be present, the way you are right now with me. And when I was catching the fish-well ... I will never forget the way you made my day. Play is something that comes easy f or me-I love to enjoy myself and fool around. But choose your attitude is still a bit of a mystery. I mean,
doesn’t your attitude have a lot to do with the way you are treated and what happens to you?
"I know just the person you need to ask about attitude: Wolf. Wolf was on his way to a career as a professional race car driver when he had a serious accident. Well, I’ll let Wolf tell the story. We need to go back into the locker. Will you be warm enough?"
"Can we come, too?"
Stephanie looked to her left and saw Steve, Randy, and one very cute child. After introductions, they all went back to talk to Wolf, who told them how, while he was recovering from his accident, he learned to choose his attitude every day. His words made a deep impression on the three and they vowed to share them with their fellow workers at the Monday meeting.
Afterward, Steve had to take off, but Stephanie, Randy, and Randy’s son went across the street to a cafe. The adults sipped coffee, while Randy’s son at e a giant chocolate chip muffin.
"You know, “said Stephanie, "we might as well clean up our toxic energy dump because there is no such guarantee the next job will be any different. And think about it. How many bosses are there like Mary Jane? I really respect her. Think about what she’s been through. I hear she even stood up t o that jerk Bill Walsh. None of the other department managers ever stood up to that bully. I mean that counts for something, doesn’t it, Randy?"