Suggested by Christina Luther, Director of International Student and Scholar Services
I have always preferred to read fiction - to lose myself in stories. But I have recently begun to seek out books about leadership because, let's face it - right now is a tough time to be a leader. It is hard to provide answers because there are so many unknowns - in our units, on our campus, in our city, state and world! A couple of weeks ago I started looking for books about change and how to lead through change and I stumbled across this little book. It is just over 100 pages and it tells a tale (yup, fiction) about a manager tasked with fixing a unit known as the "toxic energy dump." She unexpectedly figures out how to transform the utterly burnt out third floor team into an enthusiastic and supportive group with the fish mongers who work in the Pike Street Fish Market in Seattle.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a morale boost. It's an entertaining read and within the pages you'll find 4 easy strategies for making things just a little bit better - for yourself, for your team, maybe even for your whole unit. The strategy that I find myself employing daily since finishing FISH, is choosing my attitude. While I have little control over the work I have to do right now, I can control the attitude with which I approach my work. And by intentionally approaching my work with a positive attitude, I find my work has become more enjoyable again. I hope yours does too!
