Mindsets from Philly. “The Fish Philosophy in Education”

Have you ever observed a fish after it has been caught by a fisherman or when it has been washed to close to shore that the water is not quite deep enough for it to escape?  It can be sad and disturbing but if you change your mindset just a little bit, it can actually be very motivating.  The survival skill in the fish is to flap and wiggle with all its might; trying to free itself.  The moment that follows this is what has caught my attention.  The fish stops, relaxing as if it has almost given up.  The breathing slows for a few seconds, but then all of a sudden the fish goes right back at it trying to free itself.  Why does this intrigue me?  I can relate this fight to education.  Unlike the fish, the fight is always worth it because we are here to serve our students.  Having said this, what are our survival skills?

Recently I had the opportunity to travel with 19 other staff members to a conference in Philadelphia.  We saw the sites, visited an amazing school and participated in great conversations.  As I sat down to reflect on what I have learned and what I can apply at my school I can recall two things that impacted me the most.  Spending time with my staff and being mindful in education.

First impact was our staff enjoying time getting to know each other, educational discussions, and time just to sit back and visit with one another. I learned a great deal about our teachers and I am blessed to be one of their leaders.

This reminds me of the “Fish Philosophy” in which I included in my curriculum as a business teacher.  It was inspired by a business that is world famous for its incredible energy and commitment to service—the Pike Place Fish Market.

They identified four simple practices that help anyone bring new energy and commitment to their work.  Many organizations around the world are using the FISH! Philosophy to:
   • Provide amazing service that makes customers want to come back again and again.
   • Build a culture where employees love to give their best every day.
   • Build effective leaders who inspire through their example.
   • Improve teamwork and build trust.

So what is the philosophy?  It includes four simple practices

Be There: When people need you, they need all of you. Setting aside distractions and judgments to be fully present is a sign of respect. It improves communication and strengthens relationships.

Play: You can be serious about your work without taking yourself so seriously. Play is a mindset more than a specific activity. It allows you to throw yourself with enthusiasm and creativity into whatever you are doing, in a way that is natural, not forced. "Playing” with ideas helps you find solutions to everyday challenges.

Make Their Day: Simple gestures of thoughtfulness, thanks and recognition make people feel appreciated and valued. When you make someone else feel good, you feel good too.

Choose Your Attitude: To actually choose how you respond to life, not just react, you must be intentional. When you get up, decide who you want to "be" today. Moment-to-moment awareness is key. Ask yourself throughout the day, "What is my attitude right now? Is it helping the people who depend on me? Is it helping me to be most effective?"

The descriptions were taken from their website so I can’t take credit for those, but I don’t need to add any details.  The principles speak for themselves.  You can watch a preview of the video at this website http://www.charthouse.com/productdetail.aspx?nodeid=24103.

During our trip we practiced every principle of this philosophy and I believe it had a positive impact on each and everyone one of us! The second take away from my trip was the importance of being mindful in education.

 Being mindful in education is very similar to the Fish Philosophy, but it focuses on the individual state of mind. 

I attended a workshop at the conference that addressed being mindful in education.  First I want to compliment my district for always looking for ways to improve and to serve our students, staff and community.  Our students are very blessed, but with this commitment sometimes come costs.  I find myself as an educational leader, mother, wife, sister, friend, daughter and much more always feeling as if I can do more.  This isn't a bad thing but I have come to realize that we need to stop and enjoy the moment!  "Smell the roses" as some would say.

We constantly have that little figure on our shoulders saying do this, add this to the list and I have to get this done first.   Don't get me wrong our tasks are important, but sometimes we forget the most important survival skill.  I attended a workshop on being mindful in education because I have observed staff members very stressed out as they are always working very hard on doing what is best for students.  Even in my own life I have had moments where I think wow time just needs to stop and I need to slow down. 

I see my nine year old son asking me every morning what is the plan, what’s going on tonight, or what’s next.  Many times we will be having a great time, but he will be worried about when it is over and what happens next.  I love that he likes to stay busy but I have to remind him to enjoy the moment.  My favorite saying, “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"!

The workshop I attended focused on how important it is for us all to just take 5-15 minutes out of our day to just slow down, meditate if we must and enjoy the moment.  Sometimes we are so focused on what happens next and being proactive that we forget to slow down, enjoy the moment and celebrate successes.   This small window can rejuvenate us so that we can continue to do our best work.  We don’t always need to solve the problem right then and there.  Just like we need to listen to others you needed to listen to yourself as well.  “Be Mindful!”  Our challenge as educational leader is to model this for our staff and students.  We must also advocate for it or create opportunities for it to exist.