Change Management – Who Moved My Cheese?

Responding to change

Dr. Spencer Johnson wrote a book titled ‘Who Moved My Cheese’. It’s a short story designed to help us understand how we respond to change in what might be a helpful way.

There are four characters in the book: two mice and two little people. Read on to see which character is most like you.

The mice
Mice have very good instincts. They approach change using trial and error. They are matter-of-a-fact types who expect change and can move on quickly.
There is Scurry and Sniff.

Scurry
Is good at scurrying into action quickly. She is ready and willing to let go of what is and find a way forward.

Sniff
Is good at sniffing out change early. She adjusts a little slower than Scurry and takes a little longer but gets there in the end.

The little people
Are clever and complicated souls with strong emotions. They like things to stay the same. When change comes, they can resist it and make the process more challenging.
There is Hem and Haw.

Hem
Denies and resists change as they fear it will lead to something worse. They get angry and say things like, “it’s not fair.” They are determined and do not budge.

Haw
Their first response is shock. They avoid dealing with what is happening and tune everything out. Change makes them feel unsafe, but they do eventually adapt.

Which character do you think you relate to the most?

Click here to download the story

You can find the full book at major retailers and online stores.