P.E.O. Record
Help Your Chapter Be All It Can Be
Have you read the book “FISH!” by Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen? It’s a small, motivational book, a parable, written to help people find the deep source of energy, creativity and passion that exists within us all by learning to love what we do.
Several years ago I stood at the Seattle Pike Street Market, the setting of this story, and watched as the fabled fish salesmen captivated a crowd gathered around this cold, wet place, a place most people would only want to visit, not to work. Surprisingly, in this most undesirable place to work, the fishmongers were having the time of their lives selling fish and interacting with the crowd.
During my visit I watched as a whole salmon went flying overhead to a man behind the counter who would package the fish for shipping. “Fish flying away to California” was the call from one and then repeated by the other salesmen. Then six crabs went sailing over. Surprised, intrigued? What was happening?
Here, briefly, are three of the lessons from the “FISH” market—lessons that will help strengthen your chapter.
Lesson one: Attitude
“There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself.” We can choose our attitude.
The employees at the fish market created a fun, exciting atmosphere which drew in scores of people not only to watch the show of fish hurtling over their heads, but to engage in the energy and attitude of these enthusiastic people. It was a winning combination. They chose the attitude they took to work.
Is this something we can do? Can we choose the attitude we bring to P.E.O.? Can we choose an attitude that will mean positive growth for P.E.O.? Our membership has remained constant for the last several years but I’m convinced that our attitude can push us forward if we talk in positive terms about P.E.O., build enthusiasm about belonging and have an optimistic vision for the future of our organization. We’re in charge of our attitude and we can control it. We can choose what we will accomplish by becoming the most enthusiastic person and the strongest supporter of P.E.O. and its good works of anyone we know. That’s Attitude!
Lesson two: Play
The employees at the fish market had fun; they found that play is an important part of job satisfaction.
What is one of the most important ingredients in a successful chapter? If you ask me, I’d say it is probably a chapter where the members are not only focused on P.E.O. and its mission but have fun together. Think of the pleasure, the laughs and the joy when everyone gets involved with a fundraising project or goes out to lunch and a movie, when preparing for a party or taking a day trip to a cultural or historical site, going to a ballgame or playing games together. Successful chapters see each other often—and not just at chapter meetings. Building successful chapters depends on relationships and relationships happen when you’re having a good time together.
The authors have great advice and here’s how we can benefit:
- Others want to be with happy people.
Benefit: The chapter will grow! - Fun leads to creativity.
Benefit: The chapter will have better programs! - Having a good time is healthy for us.
Benefit: Energy and enthusiasm are unleashed! - Fun puts a smile in your heart.
Benefit: Attitudes change! - Work made fun gets done.
Benefit: Satisfaction from meaningful work!
Lesson Three: Make their day!
What does that mean? At the fish market it meant engaging people and welcoming them to join in. The customers enjoyed being a part of the show and memories were created which brought smiles all around. Involving others and working to “make their day” directs attention toward the person being served. Working to make another person’s day provides a constant flow of positive feelings. Make their day will engage someone else in your activity. This is a lesson in team building.
When we share our thoughts and ideas with each other and involve others in setting goals, they become engaged in the process and have a sense of ownership. Interest grows. We all work harder when it’s something we own. Someone said, “P.E.O. is like a bank—you want what you put into it to cause your interest to grow.”
With newly installed officers in your chapter, this is the perfect time to plan a brainstorming session to engage others in building a better chapter. Construct a discussion that encompasses what is done well in your chapter and what could be improved upon, and then follow up with goal setting. Does your chapter need to GROW, give more to the projects, have more social activities, encourage sisters to step up to leadership, reach out to your community sharing enthusiastically the impact P.E.O. makes in the lives of women? This is the time to start the discussion. This is the time to help your chapter be all it can be and more.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”
Find your direction! Use the principles of the “FISH!” market to help you get there.
Together We Can Do Anything!
Barbara Andes, President
International Chapter