Work used to feel different, didn’t it? There was a magic to it—the kind of spark that made teams click, employees thrive, and companies accomplish the extraordinary. But somewhere along the way, that magic faded.
Maybe it happened with the relentless push for efficiency, where people became numbers. Or through org chart bureaucracy that left employees feeling invisible. Or perhaps by over-indexing on shareholder value, leaving the true fuel of the company—its people—running on empty.
However it happened, here we are. According to a Gallup report, 70% of employees are disengaged, and nearly 20% of these actively work against their own company’s interests. The cost of disengaged employees? A staggering $450–$500 billion annually in lost productivity【source: Hubstaff】.
So what if we could bring the magic back? What if leaders inspired connection instead of compliance? What if culture reclaimed its place as a driver of success? Let’s ask ourselves this:
If the magic returned, how would things be different?
And most importantly, how do we create (or recreate) the magic?
The answer lies in one word: culture. And culture thrives when people engage with intention. Over the years, the four practices of FISH have proven to be a powerful foundation for rekindling this magic.
When the magic is back, everything changes.
This doesn’t happen by chance. It begins with focusing on the right practices: how we see each other, how we connect, and how we show up. With FISH, it’s not about magic tricks—it’s about everyday intentionality.
For decades, FISH has empowered leaders and teams to transform disengaged workplaces into thriving hubs of energy and potential. The framework is built on four foundational practices that are timeless, practical, and deeply impactful:
Our attitudes are like ripples—they influence the entire space we’re in. Leaders, especially, set the emotional tone of the workplace. A conscious choice to bring positivity and optimism can inspire trust, defuse tension, and engage the team. A great attitude is contagious. So is a bad one.
How to Practice Choosing Your Attitude:
Start your mornings with clarity and intention. Ask yourself, “What energy do I want to bring into this space today?” Live the behavior you want to see in others. Need help here? Email us to find out about our keynotes and workshops.
Presence is power. In a world where most people are distracted, being fully present is a transformational act. When you're there—truly there—for your colleagues, it sends a message: you matter.
Presence builds trust, creates a culture of authentic communication, and shows employees they are respected and valued.
How to Practice Being There:
Put aside distractions. When someone speaks, listen actively and empathetically. Look for ways to support and understand their needs.
Small actions of kindness and acknowledgment create lasting impacts. People thrive when they feel seen and appreciated. Making someone’s day might be as simple as a genuine “thank you,” a compliment, or extra support during a challenging project. These moments don’t just strengthen relationships—they build culture.
How to Practice Making Their Day:
Send a note of appreciation. Celebrate a win (no matter how small). Ask someone how they’re doing—and mean it. By lifting others up, success becomes collective.
Play isn’t just about ping-pong tables or after-work celebrations—it’s about bringing curiosity and lightness into the everyday. Leaders who embrace play create spaces where creativity thrives, stress decreases, and people feel free to explore new solutions.
How to Practice Play:
Encourage teams to experiment. Celebrate lightheartedness in stressful moments. Infuse joy into mundane tasks, turning challenges into opportunities for shared enthusiasm.
The beauty of this framework is that it doesn’t require sweeping, overnight reform. It happens in small, consistent steps—starting with a commitment to reflection and action.
Right now, you can start simply: take the Culture Check-Up. This 3-minute exercise helps uncover where your team’s culture stands today—and where the magic may need to grow.
👉 Take the Culture Check-Up Here: Click to Start
Your culture is not an accident. It’s a daily practice. And when we focus on how we talk to each other, see each other, and show up every day, we can create something extraordinary. It’s more than a recipe for success—it’s the magic we’ve all been missing.
The magic of work has never truly disappeared—it’s just been waiting for us to notice. Through Choose Your Attitude, Be There, Make Their Day, and Play, every workplace can reawaken its full potential.
So let’s take the first step today: lead with intention, support with love, engage with joy, and cultivate connection. Let’s bring humanity back to work—and watch the magic thrive.
What’s one small step you can take today to create magic for your team? Let us know in the comments.
Anxious to get your culture back in shape? Email us to find out about our keynotes and workshops.