• Home
  • Episodes
  • Books for Leaders
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Contact Us
  • Our Sponsors
  • Blog
  • Our Newsletter
The Leadership Podcast

The Leadership Podcast

We Study Leaders

Green Goldfish 2: 15 Keys to Driving Employee Engagement

February 27, 2024

Green Goldfish 2: 15 Keys to Driving Employee Engagement

Unlocking the 15 Keys to Employee Engagement

Green Goldfish 2.0 is based on the simple premise that employees are the key drivers of customer experience and that “Happy Employees Create Happy Customers.” The book focuses on 15 different ways to drive employee engagement and reinforce a strong corporate culture. The book is based on the findings of the Green Goldfish Project, an effort which crowdsourced over 1,001 examples of signature added value for employees. Key themes emerged from the Project and the book is filled with over 200 examples.

Creating Green Goldfish in your organization provides three benefits:

1. Differentiation - Doing little extras provide a tangible way to stand out in a sea of sameness. The little extra gives the company a “remark”able difference or set of signature differences.

2. Retention - If you keep employees happy, they tend to stick around longer.

3. Word of mouth - By creating a culture that attracts talent, you can become a desired place to work. The result is that you’ll get more “A” players.

The book is broken into three main sections:

Section I: Here we outline the “Why”

This part of our book explores the reasons for focusing on engagement and where the metaphor of a Goldfish originated.

Section II: This is where we explore the “Ingredients”

We’ll uncover the five R.U.L.E.S. for creating a Green Goldfish: Relevant, Unexpected, Limited, Expressive and Sticky.

Section III: The “What”

Here we share the 15 different types of Green Goldfish and the categories they fall under: the three B’s: Building, Belonging, and Becoming.

Praise for Green Goldfish 2.0:

“So often overlooked, and so very vital to building company value... empowering employees to support each other and the brand. Green Goldfish 2.0 will walk you step-by-step through achieving this critical goal.” - TED RUBIN, AUTHOR OF RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP

“Green Goldfish 2.0 shows how to manage employees by commitment and not control. Bravo!” - BARRY MOLTZ, AUTHOR OF BAM, BOUNCE, AND GETTING BUSINESS UNSTUCK

“Green Goldfish 2.0 takes customer service to a whole new level by focusing on EMPLOYEE service, and how to do well by your employees - so they take care of your customers. Packed with stories, insights and R.U.L.E.S. any company can follow, this book is a must-read for managers of companies of all shapes and sizes who know that employees don’t leave jobs—they leave managers, especially when they don’t feel your love and appreciation. Pick this up, and start engaging your team and making more GREEN!" - PHIL GERBYSHAK, AUTHOR OF THE NAKED TRUTH OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Order Now!
About the Book

Green Goldfish 2.0 is based on the simple premise that employees are the key drivers of customer experience and that “Happy Employees Create Happy Customers.” The book focuses on 15 different ways to drive employee engagement and reinforce a strong corporate culture. The book is based on the findings of the Green Goldfish Project, an effort which crowdsourced over 1,001 examples of signature added value for employees. Key themes emerged from the Project and the book is filled with over 200 examples.

Unlocking the 15 Keys to Employee Engagement

Creating Green Goldfish in your organization provides three benefits:

1. Differentiation – Doing little extras provide a tangible way to stand out in a sea of sameness. The little extra gives the company a “remark”able difference or set of signature differences.

2. Retention – If you keep employees happy, they tend to stick around longer.

3. Word of mouth – By creating a culture that attracts talent, you can become a desired place to work. The result is that you’ll get more “A” players.

The book is broken into three main sections:

Section I: Here we outline the “Why”

This part of our book explores the reasons for focusing on engagement and where the metaphor of a Goldfish originated.

Section II: This is where we explore the “Ingredients”

We’ll uncover the five R.U.L.E.S. for creating a Green Goldfish: Relevant, Unexpected, Limited, Expressive and Sticky.

Section III: The “What”

Here we share the 15 different types of Green Goldfish and the categories they fall under: the three B’s: Building, Belonging, and Becoming.

Praise for Green Goldfish 2.0:

“So often overlooked, and so very vital to building company value… empowering employees to support each other and the brand. Green Goldfish 2.0 will walk you step-by-step through achieving this critical goal.” – TED RUBIN, AUTHOR OF RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP

“Green Goldfish 2.0 shows how to manage employees by commitment and not control. Bravo!” – BARRY MOLTZ, AUTHOR OF BAM, BOUNCE, AND GETTING BUSINESS UNSTUCK

“Green Goldfish 2.0 takes customer service to a whole new level by focusing on EMPLOYEE service, and how to do well by your employees – so they take care of your customers. Packed with stories, insights and R.U.L.E.S. any company can follow, this book is a must-read for managers of companies of all shapes and sizes who know that employees don’t leave jobs—they leave managers, especially when they don’t feel your love and appreciation. Pick this up, and start engaging your team and making more GREEN!” – PHIL GERBYSHAK, AUTHOR OF THE NAKED TRUTH OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Details
Author: BBB Guests - Main
Series: Stan Phelps
ASIN: 1732665222
Order Now
Buy from Amazon
Share
Facebook Twitter Google+
Preview
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention...
Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a ...

Related Posts

  • TLP486: Unruly: Deconstruct the Rules, Defy the Norms, and Define Your Success
  • TLP020: The Leader’s Recipe for the Emotional Cocktail
  • TLP374: A Defining Day with Don Bentley
  • TLP436: 13 Strategies to Improve Self-awareness with Kevin Kruse
  • TLP336: Balance Is Not About Things Being Equal
iTunes
Spotify
Audible
SoundCloud
iHeartRADIO

Instagram Feed

westudyleaders

#leadership #leadershiptraining #leader #westudyleaders

Dr. Margaret Heffernan had an interview with The B Dr. Margaret Heffernan had an interview with The Bank of England's chief economist and made big decisions by... walking around London with no plan? Sometimes the best leadership strategy is the one that looks completely pointless to efficiency experts. Dr. Heffernan breaks down why wandering might be your secret weapon.Full episode: https://bit.ly/TLP-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #DecisionMaking #Intuition #Banking #Strategy #WalkAndThink
TLP466: Story Is The Vehicle, Not The Cargo with D TLP466: Story Is The Vehicle, Not The Cargo with Dan Manning Our latest episode with Dan Manning https://bit.ly/TLP-466?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP466%3A%20Story%20Is%20The%20Vehicle%2C%20Not%20The%20Cargo%20with%20Dan%20Manning #leadership #LeadershipPodcast, #StorytellingInBusiness, #BuildAStory, #DanManning, #LeadWithTrust, #EmotionalIntelligence, #DecisionMaking, #TrustBuilding, #PresentationSkills, #SalesStrategies, #HumanConnection, #AIandLeadership, #MilitaryToBusiness, #BusinessStorytelling, #CommunicationSkills
In every dark moment lies a seed of growth. Dr. An In every dark moment lies a seed of growth. Dr. Andreas Stamatis reminds us that adversity isn't just a challenge—it's an opportunity for transformation.Tune in and rethink resilience today! https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #MentalStrength #GrowthThroughAdversity #LeadershipPodcast #MindsetMatters #ResilientLeadership #TransformativeLeadership #MentalToughness #ExistentialPsychology #LeadersGrow #TheLeadershipPodcast #SelfReliantLeadership #PositivePsychology #CrucibleMoments #BounceBackStronger
Mental toughness is powerful — but push it too f Mental toughness is powerful — but push it too far, and it can turn toxic. Andreas Stamatis unpacks how unchecked grit can lead to injury, burnout, and tunnel vision. Find the balance before it finds you. Listen to the full episode! https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #Leadership #MentalToughness #MindsetMatters #PerformanceCoaching #HighPerformance #LeadershipPodcast #SelfGrowth #Toughness #SelfAwareness
Trying to be someone else won't make you a better Trying to be someone else won't make you a better leader. In this honest reflection, General Stanley McChrystal shares how he experimented with different personas—until he discovered the power of leading as himself. Authentic leadership isn't easy, but it's worth it.🎧 Full episode here - The Leadership Podcast Mastermind 012 https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qnt0VWJ1S8?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#authenticleadership #stanleymcchrystal #leadershipidentity, #becomingabetterleader, #selfawarenessinleadership, #leadershipdevelopment, #militaryleadership
Leadership, Legacy & the Power of Character In th Leadership, Legacy & the Power of CharacterIn this special Mastermind Episode of The Leadership Podcast, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal returns for a powerful conversation on the defining choices that shape who we become.Hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos go deep with General McChrystal, former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, bestselling author of Team of Teams, and CEO of the McChrystal Group to explore how conviction and discipline build real character.From candid stories of failure at West Point to the lessons learned through loss, moral dilemmas, and war, this episode is an unfiltered look into the heart of leadership.Whether you're leading in business, the military, or your own personal growth, this conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about the leader. It's about the mission, the team, and the values we refuse to compromise.🎧 Listen now: https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qnt0VWJ1S8?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders
You don't always need to do more to be effective—sometimes the smartest move is to pause. In this episode, Jim and Jan explore the power of doing nothing—and how stepping back can lead to better clarity, stronger decisions, and more aligned action. This isn't about being lazy—it's about being intentional. Tune in for lessons, stories, and real talk on character, values, and leadership. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipPodcast #SelfLeadership #DoNothing #PauseAndReflect #LeadershipLessons #HighPerformance #JimAndJan #MentalClarity #DecisionMaking #LeadershipTools #SlowDownToSpeedUp #BusinessLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #WorkSmarter #LeadershipDevelopment
Flexible leadership isn't just a buzzword — it's Flexible leadership isn't just a buzzword — it's a necessity. Kevin Eikenberry joins us to talk about how staying rooted in your values while adapting your approach can change everything in today's fast-moving world. If you want to lead with confidence through uncertainty, this episode is a must-listen. https://bit.ly/TLP-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #FlexibleLeadership #LeadWithConfidence #Adaptability #LeadershipDevelopment #Leaders #LeadershipPodcast #GrowthMindset #SelfReliantLeadership #BusinessLeadership #RemoteLeadership #TeamLeadership #LeadershipTips #LeadershipGrowth #LeadershipMatters
TLPMM012: On Character with General Stanley McChry TLPMM012: On Character with General Stanley McChrystal Our latest episode with General Stanley McChrystal https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLPMM012%3A%20On%20Character%20with%20General%20Stanley%20McChrystal #leadership #LeadershipPodcast, #StanMcChrystal, #MilitaryLeadership, #CharacterMatters, #DisciplineEqualsFreedom, #SelfReflection, #ServiceAboveSelf, #MoralCourage, #TeamOfTeams, #LeadersInAction, #ConvictionAndDiscipline, #LegacyLeadership
Remember when the internet was full of weird rabbi Remember when the internet was full of weird rabbit holes? Sara Sabin warns that AI's laser focus might be killing our curiosity. If all you see is what you already agree with, you're not stretching your mind, you're shrinking it. Sometimes, the best growth comes from what challenges us, not what comforts us.Catch the full conversation on https://bit.ly/TLP-477?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full conversation https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-477?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #CriticalThinking #AIandCreativity #Curiosity #TheLeadershipPodcast
Not all silence looks the same. For Jan, movement Not all silence looks the same. For Jan, movement is his version of stillness. There's power in knowing how you process best—especially in leadership. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipWisdom #DoNothingDifferently #QuietLeadership #MovementIsMeditation #JanRutherford #LeadershipPodcast #MindfulMotion #ExecutiveReflection #SilentStrength #LeadershipHabits #SelfReliantLeadership #NatureLeadership #SnowySunday
Dan Manning breaks down why movies are the wrong m Dan Manning breaks down why movies are the wrong model for business storytelling. When people watch a movie, they're expecting to be entertained. But in real life, your audience isn't sitting in the dark with popcorn, they're distracted, busy, and skeptical. That's why stories in business must be purposeful, targeted, and designed to influence action, not applause. If you want to lead, you have to tell stories about land. https://bit.ly/TLP-466?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch it on our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-466?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#StorytellingThatWorks #BusinessStorytelling #LeadershipPodcast #DanManning #BuildAStory #CommunicationTips #SpeakToLead #MakeThemAct #FighterPilotWisdom #ActionOverEntertainment #SalesStrategy #RealTalk #ContentThatConverts #HumanBehavior #TheLeadershipPodcast
This hit different. We're not having fact debates This hit different. We're not having fact debates - we're having harm debates. Everyone's protecting what they see as threatened. Once you get that, everything changes.🎧 Full episode drops truth bombs - https://bit.ly/TLP-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders // https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Communication #Facts #Morality #Psychology #Podcast
When organizations prioritize outputs over people, When organizations prioritize outputs over people, they fall into the performance trap. Andreas Stamatis reminds us: sustainable success starts with valuing human behavior first. Build strong foundations — the outcomes will follow. https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #HumanCenteredLeadership #MindsetFirst #SustainableSuccess #TeamCulture #BusinessLeadership #CorporateCulture #LeadershipMindset #PerformanceMatters #PeopleOverProfits #LeadershipPodcast #WorkplaceWellness #CompanyCulture #WorkCulture #TeamDevelopment #HumanCapital #SuccessMindset #LeadershipCoach #MindfulnessAtWork #Inspiration #Management #HighPerformanceTeams
Ray Palumbo's pyramid for organizational success: Ray Palumbo's pyramid for organizational success: Values at the foundation, Culture built on top, Strategy to organize your efforts, and Vision communicated constantly at the peak. This former three-star general has led everything from special operations to conventional forces, and this framework is what he's learned works across all environments. Simple but profound.Listen here - https://bit.ly/TLP-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #OrganizationalSuccess #Values #Culture #Strategy #Vision #BusinessLeadership #CorporateLeadership #MilitaryLeadership
Anne Marie spent 36 years in sports TV constantly Anne Marie spent 36 years in sports TV constantly reinventing herself. Her secret? She doesn't just accept failure, she seeks it out. If you're succeeding at everything, you're probably playing it too safe.Listen to Anne Marie's full story at https://bit.ly/TLP-474?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-474?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Audacity #Failure #Leadership #Resilience #SportsMedia #PodcastLife #Leadership
Delegation isn't just handing off tasks, it's an i Delegation isn't just handing off tasks, it's an investment in your team's growth and your leadership. Too often, the urgent wins and leaders end up doing the work themselves. What if slowing down to delegate could set your whole team up for success? Listen to Kevin Eikenberry unpack this leadership challenge in episode 467 of The Leadership Podcast. https://bit.ly/TLP-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders Watch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Delegation #FlexibleLeadership #TeamGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementTips #LeadWithIntent #WorkSmarter #LeadershipMindset #LeadershipPodcast #GrowthMindset #InvestInPeople #RemoteLeadership #TrustInTeams #LeadershipLessons #LeadershipGrowth #IntentionalLeadership
Sometimes the detours lead to your greatest discov Sometimes the detours lead to your greatest discoveries. Jed Brewer went from engineering student to prison chaplain to using Grammy-winning musicians to save lives through strategic messaging.Listen to the full conversation at https://bit.ly/TLP-476?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-476?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #unexpected #careerjourney #theleadershippodcast
In this week's episode of The Leadership Podcast, In this week's episode of The Leadership Podcast, General Stanley McChrystal reminds us that character isn't inherited, it's chosen. Again and again. In the small, quiet decisions when no one's watching. In the moments of failure, discomfort, and hard-earned growth.It's not charisma. It's not confidence. It's conviction multiplied by discipline.In this conversation, General McChrystal opens up about near-misses at West Point, personal setbacks, and the deep introspection that shaped him into one of the most respected military leaders of our time.If leadership is about anything, it's this: choosing, every day, who you want to be.🎧 Hear the full conversation on The Leadership Podcast: https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qnt0VWJ1S8?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders
TLP468: The Power of Doing Nothing with Jim and Ja TLP468: The Power of Doing Nothing with Jim and Jan Our latest episode with Jan Rutherford, Jim Vaselopulos https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP468%3A%20The%20Power%20of%20Doing%20Nothing%20with%20Jim%20and%20Jan #leadership #LeadershipPodcast, #QuietLeadership, #DoNothing, #CharacterMatters, #ConvictionAndDiscipline, #SelfReflection, #Solitude, #EfficiencyInBusiness, #VeteranSupport, #MindfulLeadership, #SlowDownToSpeedUp, #LeadershipCoaching
Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • TLP488: From Fleeting Moments to Sustained Momentum
  • TLP487: Three Ways to Motivate Teams and Align Strategy
  • TLP486: Unruly: Deconstruct the Rules, Defy the Norms, and Define Your Success
  • TLP485: Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)
  • TLP484: Balancing Innovation with Human Connection

Recent Comments

  • Anonymous on TLP478: The Consequences of Inaction with Nick Cooney
  • Anonymous on TLP477: Myths About Intuition with Sara Sabin
  • Anonymous on TLP478: The Consequences of Inaction with Nick Cooney
  • Anonymous on TLP468: The Power of Doing Nothing with Jim and Jan
  • Anonymous on TLP459: Small, Consistent Actions Over Time with Adam Contos

Tags

adaptability assumptions athletics authenticity business change coaching communication corporate crucible culture Curiosity decision making education emotional intelligence entrepreneur financial hiring history humor innovation interview Jim & Jan leader leadership leadership development military neuroscience Patagonia Personal Growth philosophy practitioner productivity relationships resilience sales speaker sports stories team development teamwork thought leader trust values veterans

Copyright © 2025 Rafti Advisors, LLC & Self-Reliant Leadership, LLC - All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy