|
FISH and PTA-
One Way to Experience A Great Life by Karen Albers, WSPTA Vice President |
 |
As you prepare for the start of the new PTA year, I would like to share with you an interesting philosophy guaranteed to help you and your PTA succeed! It's based on the key concepts in the book FISH, by Stephen Lundin.
First, as PTA leaders, we must "be there" for others. Think about the people you interact and associate with everyday. Ask yourself often, am I "there" for them? How are you supporting your parents, students, teachers and staff in your school? How are you helping your fellow board members succeed?
Second, we need to "make their day" by doing things that make others feel special. Have you said kind words to your peers or co-workers today? Have you written any thank you notes or congratulated someone for a job well done? Are you recognizing special people for their accomplishments or commitment to assist others in their lives?
Third, you "choose your attitude every day." When you awaken every day, what is your outlook? When you interact with others are you positive or negative? How will you approach the problems that will be encountered each day? Your attitude is contagious...so what will you choose it to be?
Fourth, you must "play" in your life. Are you finding ways to enjoy yourself, family, work, and the interactions with others? Having fun in your life and occasionally stepping outside of your comfort zone is critical for overall success and positive living.
The story of FISH was based upon Pike Place Market in Seattle at the "Fish Station." Employees are giving the visitors the experience of their life by "being there" for the customer, "making their day" with the fish flying through their hands, "choosing their attitude" with positive interactions, and truly enjoying the "play" in their work. So it is really not about the FISH, but the experience we choose in our life. This simple philosophy can reap rewards for you and your PTA. I hope you choose to be there for one another, make someone's day special, be a positive influence with a great attitude, and have fun while living a great life.
Karen L. Albers
State Vice President
Washington State PTA
everychild. onevoice.
First, as PTA leaders, we must "be there" for others. Think about the people you interact and associate with everyday. Ask yourself often, am I "there" for them? How are you supporting your parents, students, teachers and staff in your school? How are you helping your fellow board members succeed?
Second, we need to "make their day" by doing things that make others feel special. Have you said kind words to your peers or co-workers today? Have you written any thank you notes or congratulated someone for a job well done? Are you recognizing special people for their accomplishments or commitment to assist others in their lives?
Third, you "choose your attitude every day." When you awaken every day, what is your outlook? When you interact with others are you positive or negative? How will you approach the problems that will be encountered each day? Your attitude is contagious...so what will you choose it to be?
Fourth, you must "play" in your life. Are you finding ways to enjoy yourself, family, work, and the interactions with others? Having fun in your life and occasionally stepping outside of your comfort zone is critical for overall success and positive living.
The story of FISH was based upon Pike Place Market in Seattle at the "Fish Station." Employees are giving the visitors the experience of their life by "being there" for the customer, "making their day" with the fish flying through their hands, "choosing their attitude" with positive interactions, and truly enjoying the "play" in their work. So it is really not about the FISH, but the experience we choose in our life. This simple philosophy can reap rewards for you and your PTA. I hope you choose to be there for one another, make someone's day special, be a positive influence with a great attitude, and have fun while living a great life.
Karen L. Albers
State Vice President
Washington State PTA
everychild. onevoice.
