📚Who Moved My Cheese?🧀

A Gathering Chicago One sunny Sunday in Chicago, several former classmates gathered for lunch, having attended their high school reunion the night before. They wanted to hear more about what was happening in each other's lives. After a good deal of kidding and a good meal, they settled into an interesting conversation. Angela, who had been one of the most popular people in the class, said, "Life sure turned out differently than I thought it would when we were in school. A lot has changed." "It certainly has," Nathan echoed. They knew he had gone into his family's business, which had operated pretty much the same and had been a part of the local community for As long as they could remember. So, they were surprised when he seemed concerned. He Asked, "But, have you noticed how we don't want to change when things change?" Carlos said, "I guess we resist changing because we're afraid of change." "Carlos, you were Captain of the football team," Jessica said. "I never thought I'd hear you say anything about being afraid!" They all laughed as they realized that although they had gone off in different directions - from working at home to managing companies - they were experiencing similar feelings. Everyone was trying to cope with the unexpected changes that were happening to them in recent years. And most admitted that they did not know a good way to handle them. Then Michael said, "I used to be afraid of change. When a big chance came along in our business, we didn't know what to do. So we didn't do anything differently and we almost lost it." "That is," he continued, "until I heard a funny little story that changed everything." "How so?" Nathan asked "Well, the story altered the way I looked at change, and after that, things quickly improved for me at work and in my life." "Then, I passed the story on to some people in our company and they passed it on to others, and soon our business did much better because we all adapted to change better. And like me, many people said helped them in their personal lives." "What's the story?" Angela asked. "It's called, 'Who Moved My Cheese?" The group laughed. "I think I like it already," Carlos said, "Would you tell us the story?" "Sure," Michael replied. "I'd be happy that it doesn't take long." And so he began:

The Story Once, long ago in a land far away, there lived four little characters who ran through a maze looking for cheese to nourish them and make them happy. Two were mice named "Sniff" and "Scurry" and two were little beings who were as small as mice but who looked and acted a lot like people today. Their names were "Hem" and "Haw". Due to their small size, it would be easy not to notice what the four of them were doing. But if you looked closely enough, you could discover the most amazing things! Every day the mice and the little people spent time in the maze looking for their own special cheese. The mice, Sniff and Scurry, possessing only simple rodent brains, but good instincts, searched for the hard-nibbling cheese they liked, as mice often do. The two people, Hem and Haw, used their brains, filled with many beliefs, to search for a very different kind of Cheese with a capital C which they believed would make them feel happy and successful. As different as the mice and little people were, they shared something in common: every morning, they each put on their jogging suits and running shoes, left their little homes, and raced out into the maze looking for their favorite cheese. The maze was a labyrinth of corridors and chambers, some containing delicious cheese. But there were also dark corners and blind alleys leading nowhere. It was an easy place for anyone to get lost. However, the two little people, Hem and Haw, used a different method that relied on their ability to think and learn from their past experiences, although, they would sometimes get confused by their beliefs and emotions. Eventually, in their own way, they all discovered what they were looking for they each found their own kind of cheese one day at the end of one of the corridors in Cheese Station C. Every morning after that, the mice and the little ones dressed in their running gear and headed over to Cheese Station C. It wasn't long before they each established their Own routine. Sniff and Scurry continued to wake early every day and race through the maze, always following the same route. When they arrived at their destination, the mice took off their running shoes, tied them together, and hung them around their necks so they could get to them quickly whenever they needed them again. Then they enjoyed the cheese.

Sometimes Hem and Haw would take their friends by to see their pile of Cheese at Cheese Station C, and point to it with pride, saying, "Pretty nice Cheese, huh?" Sometimes they shared it with their friends and sometimes they didn't. "We deserve this Cheese," Hem said. "We certainly had to work long and hard enough to find it." He picked up a nice fresh piece and ate it. Afterward, Hem fell asleep, as he often did. Every night the littlepeople would waddle home, full of Cheese, and every morning they would confidently return for more. This went on for quite some time. After a while Hem's and Haw's confidence grew into arrogance. Soon they became so comfortable they didn't even notice what was happening. As time went on, Sniff and Scurry continued their routine. They arrived early each morning and sniffed and scratched and scurried around Cheese Station C, inspecting the area to see if there had been any changes from the day before. Then they would sit down to nibble on the cheese. One morning they arrived at Cheese Station C and discovered there was no cheese. They weren't surprised. Since Sniff and Scurry had noticed the supply of cheese had Been getting smaller every day, they were prepared for the inevitable and knew instinctively what to do. They looked at each other, removed the running shoes they had tied together and hung conveniently around their necks, put them on their feet, and laced them up. The mice did not overanalyze things. And they were not burdened with many complex beliefs. To the mice, the problem and the answer were both simple. The situation at Cheese Station C had changed. So, Sniff and Scurry decided to change. They both looked out into the maze. Then Sniff lifted his nose, sniffed, and nodded to Scurry, who took off running through the maze, while Sniff followed as fast as he could. They were quickly off in search of New Cheese. Later that same day, Hem and Haw arrived at Cheese Station C. They had not been paying attention to the small changes that had been taking place each day, so they took it for granted their Cheese would be there. They were unprepared for what they found.

What! No Cheese?" Hem yelled. He continued yelling, "No Cheese? No Cheese?" as though if he shouted loud enough someone would put it back. "Who moved my Cheese?" he hollered. Finally, he put his hands on his hips, his face turned red, and he screamed at the top of his voice. "It's not fair!" Haw just shook his head in disbelief. He, too, had counted on finding Cheese at Cheese Station C. He stood there for a long time, frozen with chock. He was just not ready for this. Hem was yelling something, but Haw didn't want to hear it. He didn't want to deal with what was facing him, so he just turned everything out. The littlepeople's behavior was not very attractive or productive but it was understandable. Finding Cheese wasn't easy, and it meant a great deal more to the littlepeople than just having enough of it to eat everyday. Finding Cheese was the littlepeoples' way of getting what they thought they needed to be happy. They had their own ideas of what Cheese meant to them, depending on their taste. For some, finding Cheese was having material things. For others it was enjoying good health, or developing a spiritual sense of well-being. For Haw, Cheese just meant feeling safe, having a loving family someday and living in a cozy cottage on Cheddar Lane. To Hem, Cheese was becoming A Big Cheese in charge of others and owning a big house atop Camembert Hill. Because Cheese was important to them, the two littlepeople spent a long time trying to decide what to do. All they could think about was trying to decide what to do. All they could think of was to keep looking around Cheeseless Station C to se if the Cheese was really gone. While Sniff and Scurry had quickly moved on, Hem and Haw continued to hem and haw. They ranted and raved at the injustice of it all. Haw started to get depressed. What would happen if the Cheese wasn't there tomorrow? He had if the Cheese wasn't there tomorrow? He had made future plans based on this Cheese. The littlepeople couldn't believe it. How could this have happened? No one had warned them. It wasn't right. It was not the way things were supposed to be. Hem and Haw went home that night hungry and discouraged. But before they left, Haw wrote on the wall:

"Entitled to what?" Haw wanted to know. "We're entitled to our Cheese." "Why?" Haw asked. "Because we didn't cause this problem," Hem said. "Somebody else did this and we should get something out of it." Haw suggested, "Maybe we should stop analyzing the situation so much and just get going and find some New Cheese." "Oh no," Hem argued. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this." While Hem and Haw were still trying to decide what to do, Sniff and Scurry were already on their way. They went further into the maze, up and down corridors, looking for cheese in every Cheese Station they could find. They didn't think of anything else but finding a New Cheese. They didn't find any for some time until they finally went into an area of the maze where they had never been before Cheese Station N. They squealed with delight. They found what they had been looking for a great supply of New Cheese. They could hardly believe their eyes. It was the biggest store of cheese the mice had ever seen. In the meantime. Hem and Haw were still back in Cheese Station C evaluating their situation. They were now suffering from the effects of having no Cheese. They were becoming frustrated and angry and were blaming each other for the situation they were in. Now and then Haw thought about his mice buddies, Sniff and Scurry, and wondered if they had found any cheese yet. He believed they might be having a hard time, as running through the maze usually involved some uncertainty. But he also knew that it was likely to only last for a while. Sometimes, Haw would imagine Sniff and Scurry finding New Cheese and enjoying it. He thought about how good it would be for him to be out on an adventure in the maze, and to find fresh New Cheese. He could almost taste it. The more clearly Haw saw the image of himself finding and enjoying the New Cheese, the more he saw himself leaving Cheese Station C. "Let's go!" he exclaimed, all of a sudden.

"No." Hem quickly responded. "I like it here. It's comfortable. It's what I know. Besides it's dangerous out there." "No, it isn't," Haw argued. "We've run through many parts of the maze before, and we can do it again." "I'm getting too old for that," Hem said. "And I'm afraid I'm not interested in getting lost and making a fool of myself. Are you?" With that, Haw's fear of falling returned, and his hope of finding New Cheese faded. So every day, the littlepeople continued to do what they had done before. They went to Cheese Station C, found no Cheese, and returned home, carrying their worries and frustrations with them. They tried to deny what was happening but found it harder to get to sleep, had less energy the next day, and were becoming irritable. Their homes were not the nurturing places they once were. The littlepeople had difficulty sleeping and were having nightmares about not finding any Cheese. But Hem and Haw still returned to Cheese Station C and waited there every day. Hem said, "You know, if we just work harder we'll find that nothing has really changed that much. The Cheese is probably nearby. Maybe they just hid it behind the wall." The next day, Hem and Haw returned with tools. Hem held the chisel while Haw banged on the hammer until they made a hole in the wall of Cheese Station C. They peered inside but found no Cheese. They were disappointed but believed they could solve the problem. So they started earlier, stayed longer, and worked harder. But after a while, all they had was a large hole in the wall. Haw was beginning to realize the difference between activity and productivity. "Maybe," Hem said, "we should just sit here and see what happens. Sooner or later they have to put the Cheese back." Haw wanted to believe that. So each day he went home to rest and returned reluctantly with Hem to Cheese Station C. But Cheese never reappeared. By now the littlepeople were growing weak from hunger and stress. Haw was getting tired of just waiting for their situation to improve. He began to see that the longer they stayed in their Cheeseless situation, the worse off they would be. Haw knew they were losing their edge.

Finally, one day Haw began laughing at himself. "Haw, haw, look at me. I keep doing the same things over and over again and wonder why things don't get better. If this wasn't so ridiculous, it would be even funnier." Haw did not like the idea of having to run through the maze again, because he knew he would get lost and have no idea where he would find any Cheese. But he had to laugh at his folly when he saw what his fear was doing to him. He asked Hem, "Where did we put our jogging suits and running shoes?" It took a long time to find them because they had put everything away when they found their Cheese at Cheese Station C, thinking they wouldn't need them anymore. As Hem saw his friend getting into his running gear, he said, "You're not really going out into the maze again, are you? Why don't you just wait here with me until they put the Cheese back?" "Because you just don't get it," Haw said. "I didn't want to see it either, but now I realize they're never going to put the Old Cheese back. That was yesterday's Cheese. It's time to find New Cheese." Hem argued, "But what if there is no Cheese out there? Or even if there is, what if you don't find it?" "I don't know," Haw said. He had asked himself those same questions too many times and started to feel the fears again that kept him where he was. Then he thought about finding New Cheese and all the good things that came with it and gathered his courage. "Sometimes," Haw said, "things change and they are never the same again. This looks like one, of those times, Hem. That's life! Life moves on. And so should we." Haw looked at his emaciated companion and tried to talk sense to him, but Hem's fear had turned into anger and he wouldn't listen. Haw didn't mean to be rude to his friend, but he had to laugh at how silly they both looked. As Haw prepared to leave, he started to feel more alive, knowing that he was finally able to laugh at himself, let go, and move on. He announced, "It's maze time!" Hem didn't laugh and he didn't respond. Haw picked up a small, sharp rock and wrote a serious thought on the wall for Hem to think about. As was his custom, Haw even drew a picture of cheese around it, hoping it would help Hem to smile, lighten up, and go after the New Cheese. But Hem didn't want to see it. It read:

He thought about it. He knew sometimes some fear could be good. When you are afraid things are going to get worse if you don't do something, it can prompt you into action. But it is not good when you are so afraid that it keeps you from doing anything. He looked to his right, to the part of the maze where he had never been, and felt the fear. Then, he took a deep breath, turned right into the maze, and jogged slowly, into the unknown. As he tried to find his way, Haw worried, at first, that he might have waited too long in Cheese Station C. He hadn't had any Cheese for so long that he was now weak. It took him longer and it was more painful than usual to get through the maze. He decided that if he ever got the chance again, he would adapt to change sooner. It would make things easier. Then, Haw smiled a weak smile as he thought, "Better late than never." During the next several days, Haw found a little Cheese here and there, but nothing that lasted very long. He had hoped to find enough Cheese to take some back to Hem and encourage him to come out into the maze. But Haw didn't feel confident enough yet. He had to admit, he found it confusing in the maze. Things seemed to have changed since the last time he was out here. Just when he thought he was getting ahead, he would get lost in the corridors. It seemed his progress was two steps forward and one step backward. It was a challenge, but he had to admit that being back in the maze, hunting for Cheese, wasn't nearly as bad as he feared it might be. As time went on he began to wonder if it was realistic for him to expect to find New Cheese. He wondered if he had bitten off more than he could chew. Then he laughed, realizing that he had nothing to chew on at the moment. Whenever he started to get discouraged he reminded himself that what he was doing, as uncomfortable as it was at the moment, was in reality much better than staying in the Cheeseless situation. He was taking control, rather than simply letting things happen to him. Then he reminded himself, that if Sniff and Scurry could move on, so could he! Later, as Haw looked back on things, he realized that the Cheese at Cheese Station C had not just disappeared overnight, as he had once thought. The amount of Cheese that had been there toward the end had been getting smaller, and what was left had grown old. It didn't taste as good.

Then he wondered for a moment whether it was real or just his imagination until he saw his old friends Sniff and Scurry. Sniff welcomed Haw with a nod of his head, and Scurry waved his paw. Their fat little bellies showed that they had been here for some time. Haw quickly said his hellos and soon took bites of every one of his favorite Cheeses. He pulled off his shoes and jogging suit and folded them neatly nearby in case he needed them again. Then he jumped into the New Cheese. When he had eaten his fill, he lifted a piece of fresh Cheese and made a toast. "Hooray for Change!" As Haw enjoyed the New Cheese, he reflected on what he had learned. He realized that when he had been afraid to change he had been holding on to the illusion of Old Cheese that was no longer there. So what was it that made him change? Was it the fear of starving to death? Haw thought, "Well, that helped." Then he laughed and realized that he had started to change as soon as he had learned to laugh at himself and at what he had been doing wrong. He realized the fastest way to change is to laugh at your own folly then you can let go and quickly move on. He knew he had learned something useful about moving on from his mice buddies, Sniff and Scurry. They kept life simple. They didn't overanalyze or overcomplicate things. When the situation changed and the Cheese had been moved, they changed and moved with the Cheese. He would remember that. Then Haw used his wonderful brain to do what littlepeople do better than mice. He reflected on the mistakes he had made in the past and used them to plan for his future. He knew that you could learn to deal with change: You could be more aware of the need to keep things simple, be flexible, and move quickly. You did not need to overcomplicate matters or confuse yourself with fearful beliefs. You could notice when the little changes began so that you would be better prepared for the big change that might be coming. He knew he needed to adapt faster, for if you do not adapt in time, you might as well not adapt at all. He had to admit that the biggest inhibitor to change lies within yourself and that nothing gets better until you change. Perhaps most important of all, he realized that there is always New Cheese out there whether you recognize it at the time or not. And that you are rewarded with it when you go past your fear and enjoy the adventure.

He knew some fear should be respected, as it can keep you out of real danger. But he realized most of his fears were irrational and had kept him from changing when he needed to change. He didn't like it at the time, but he knew that the change had turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it led him to find better Cheese. He had even found a better part of himself. As Haw recalled what he had learned, he thought about his friend Hem. He wondered if Hem had read any of the sayings Haw had written on the wall at Cheese Station C and throughout the maze. Had Hem ever decided to let go and move on? Had he ever entered the maze and discovered what could make his life better? Haw thought about going back again to Cheese Station C to see if he could find Hem assuming that Haw could find his way back there. If he found Hem, he thought he might be able to show him how to get out of his predicament. But Haw realized that he had already tried to get his friend to change. Hem had to find his own way, beyond his comforts and past his fears. No one else could do it for him, or talk him into it. He somehow had to see the advantage of changing himself. Haw knew he had left a trail for Hem and that he could find his way if he could just read The Handwriting On The Wall. He went over and wrote down a summary of what he had learned on the largest wall of Cheese Station N. He drew a large piece of cheese around all the insights he had become aware of, and smiled as he looked at what he had learned:

A Discussion Later That Same Day When Michael finished telling the story, he looked around the room and saw his former classmates smiling at him. Several thanked him and said they got a good deal out of the story. Nathan asked the group, "What would you think of getting together later and maybe discussing it?" Most of them said they would like to talk about it, and so they arranged to meet later for a drink before dinner. That evening, as they gathered in a hotel lounge, they began to kid each other about finding their "Cheese" and seeing themselves in the maze. Then Angela asked the group good-naturedly, "So, who were you in the story? Sniff, Scurry, Hem or Haw?" Carlos answered, "Well, I was thinking about that this afternoon. I clearly remember a time before I had my sporting goods business, when I had a rough encounter with change. "I wasn't Sniff I didn't sniff out the situation and see the change early. And I certainly wasn't Scurry - I didn't go into action immediately. "I was more like Hem, who wanted to stay in familiar territory. The truth is, I didn't want to deal with the change. I didn't even want to see it." Michael, who felt like no time had passed since he and Carlos were close friends in school, asked, "What are we talking about here, buddy?" Carlos said, "An unexpected change of jobs." Michael laughed, "You were fired?" "Well let's just say I didn't want to go out looking for New Cheese I thought I had a good reason why change shouldn't happen to me So, I was pretty upset at the time." Some of their former classmates who had been quiet in the beginning felt more comfortable now and spoke up, including Frank, who had gone into the military. "Hem reminds me of a friend of mine," Frank said. "His department was closing down, but he didn't want to see it. They kept relocating his people. We all tried to talk to him about the many other opportunities that existed in the company for those who wanted to be flexible, but he didn't think he had to change. He was the only one who was surprised when his department closed. Now he's having a hard time adjusting to the change he didn't think should happen."

Jessica said, "I didn't think it should happen to me either, but my 'Cheese' has been moved more than once." Many in the group laughed, except Nathan. "Maybe that's the whole point," Nathan said. "Change happens to all of us." He added, "I wish my family had heard the Cheese story before this. Unfortunately, we didn't want to see the changes coming in our business, and now it's too late - we're having to close many of our stores." That surprised many in the group, because they thought Nathan was lucky to be in a secure business he could depend on, year after year. "What happened?" Jessica wanted to know. "Our chain of small stores suddenly became old-fashioned when the mega-store came to town with its huge inventory and low prices. We just couldn't compete with that. "I can see now that instead of being like Sniff and Scurry, we were like Hem. We stayed where we were and didn't change. We tried to ignore what was happening and now we are in trouble. We could have taken a lesson or two from Haw." Laura, who had become a successful businesswoman, had been listening but had said very little until now. "I thought about the story this afternoon too," she said. "I wondered how I could be more like Haw and see what I'm doing wrong; laugh at myself; change and do better." She said, "I'm curious. How many here are afraid of change?" No one responded, so she suggested, "How about a show of hands?" Only one hand went up. "Well, it looks like we've got one honest person in our group!" she said. And then continued, "Maybe you'll like this next question better. How many here think other people are afraid of change?" Everyone raised their hands. Then they all started laughing. "What does that tell us?" "Denial," Nathan answered. Michael admitted, "Sometimes we're not even aware that we're afraid. I know I wasn't. When I first heard the story, I loved the question, "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" Then Jessica added, "Well, what I got from the story is that change is going to happen whether I'm afraid of it, or whether I like it, or not. "I remember years ago when our company was selling sets of encyclopedia books. One person tried to tell us that we should put our whole encyclopedia in a single computer disk and sell it for a fraction of the cost. It would cost us so much less to manufacture and so many more people could afford it. But we all resisted."

"Why did you resist?" Nathan asked. "Because, we believed then that the backbone of our business was our large sales force, who called on people door-to-door. Keeping our sales force depended on the big commissions they earned from the high price of our product. We had been doing this successfully for a long time and thought it would go on forever." "It was your 'Cheese'," Nathan said. "Yes, and we wanted to hang on to it. "When I think back on what happened to us, I see that it's not just that they 'moved the Cheese,' but that the 'Cheese' has a life of its own and eventually runs out. "Anyway, we didn't change. But a competitor did and our sales fell badly. We've been going through a difficult time. Now, another big technological change is happening in the industry and no one at the company seems to want to deal with it. It doesn't look good. I think I could be out of a job soon." "It's maze time!" Carlos called out. Everyone laughed, including Jessica. Carlos turned to Jessica and said, "It's good that you can laugh at yourself." Frank offered, "That's what I got out of the story. I tend to take myself too seriously. I noticed how Haw changed when he could finally laugh at himself and at what he was doing. No wonder he was called Haw. Angela asked, "Do you think that Hem ever changed and found New Cheese?" Elaine said, "I think he did." "I don't," Cory said. "Some people never change and they pay a price for it. I see people like Hem in my medical practice. They feel entitled to their 'Cheese.' They feel like victims when it's taken away and blame others. They get sicker than people who let go and move on." Then Nathan said quietly, as though he was talking to himself, "I guess the question is, 'What do we need to let go of and what do we need to move on to?" No one said anything for a while. "I must admit," Nathan said, "I saw what was happening in other parts of the country, but I hoped it wouldn't affect us. I guess it's a lot better to initiate change while you can then it is to try to react and adjust to it. Maybe we should move our own Cheese." "What do you mean?" Frank asked.

Nathan answered, "I can't help but wonder where we would be today if we had sold the real estate under all our old stores and built a great modern store to compete with the best of them." Laura said, "Maybe that's what Haw meant when he wrote on the wall 'Savor the adventure and move with the Cheese." Frank said, "I think some things shouldn't change. For example, I want to hold on to my basic values. But I realize now that I would be better off if I had moved with the 'Cheese' a lot sooner in my life." "Well, Michael, it was a nice little story," Richard, the class skeptic, said, "but how did you actually put it into use in your company?" The group didn't know it yet, but Richard was experiencing some changes himself. Recently separated from his wife, he was now trying to balance his career with raising his teenagers. Michael replied, "You know, I thought my job was just to manage the daily problems as they came up when I should have been looking ahead and paying attention to where we were going. "And boy did I manage those problems - twenty-four hours a day. I wasn't a lot of fun to be around. I was in a rat race and I couldn't get out. "However, after I first heard the story of 'Who Moved My Cheese?" and saw how Haw changed," Michael continued, "I realized that my job was to paint a picture of 'New Cheese.' And to do it so clearly and realistically that I and the other people I worked with could all enjoy changing and succeeding together." "That's interesting," Angela said. "Because, to me, the most powerful part of the story was when Haw ran past his fear and painted a picture in his mind of finding 'New Cheese.' Running through the maze became less fearful and more enjoyable. And he eventually got a better deal." Richard, who had been frowning during the discussion, said, "My manager's been telling me our company needs to change. I think what she's really telling me is that I need to, but I haven't wanted to hear it. I guess I never really knew what the 'New Cheese' was that she was trying to move us to. Or how I could gain from it." A slight grin crossed Richard's face as he said, "1 must admit I like this idea of seeing 'New Cheese' and imagining yourself enjoying it. It lightens everything up. It lessens the fear and gets you more interested in making the change happen. "Maybe I could use this at home," he added. "My children seem to think that nothing in their lives should ever change. They're angry. I guess they're afraid of what the future holds. Maybe I haven't painted a realistic picture of 'New Cheese' for them. Probably because I don't see it myself." The group was quiet as several people thought about their own family life.

"Well," Elaine said, "most people here are talking about jobs, but as I listened to the story, I thought about my personal life. I think my current relationship is 'Old Cheese' that has some pretty serious mold on it." Cory laughed in agreement. "Me too. I probably need to let go of a bad relationship." Angela countered, "Or, perhaps the 'Old Cheese' is just old behavior. What we really need to let go of is the behavior that keeps causing our bad relationship. And then move on to a better way of thinking and acting." "Ouch!" Cory reacted. "Good point. The New Cheese is a new relationship with the same person." Richard said, "I'm beginning to think there is more to this than I thought. I like the idea of letting go of old behavior instead of letting go of the relationship. Repeating the same behavior will just get you the same results. "Instead of changing jobs, maybe I should be one of the people helping my company change. I'd probably have a better job by now if I did." Then Becky, who lived in another city but had returned for the reunion, said, "As I was listening to the story and everyone's comments here, I've had to laugh at myself. I've been like Hem for so long, hemming and hawing and afraid of change. I didn't realize how many other people did this as well. I'm afraid I've passed it on to my children without even knowing it. "As I think about it, I realize change really can lead you to a new and better place, although you're afraid it won't at the time. "I remember a time when our son was a sophomore in high school. My husband's job required us to move from Illinois to Vermont and our son was upset because he had to leave his friends. He was a star swimmer and the high school in Vermont had no swim team. So, he was angry with us for making him move. "As it turned out, he fell in love with the Vermont mountains, took up skiing, skied on his college team, and now lives happily in Colorado. "If we had all enjoyed this Cheese story together, over a cup of hot chocolate, we could have saved our family a lot of stress." Jessica said, "I'm going home to tell my family this story. I'll ask my children who they think I am Sniff, Scurry, Hem, or Haw, and who they feel they are. We could talk about what we feel our family's Old Cheese is and what the New Cheese could be." "That's a good idea," Richard said. Frank then commented, "I think I'm going to be more like Haw and move with the Cheese and enjoy it! I'm going to pass this story along to my friends who are worried about leaving the military and what the change will mean to them. It could lead to some interesting discussions.

Michael said, "Well, that's how we improved our business. We had several discussions about what we got from the Cheese story and how we could apply it to our own situation. "It was great because we had language that was fun for us to use to talk about how we were dealing with change. It was very effective, especially as it spread deeper into the company." "How so?" Nathan asked. "Well, the further we went into our organization, the more people we found who felt they had less power. They were understandably more afraid of what the change imposed from above might do to them. So they resisted change. "In short, a change imposed is a change opposed. "I only wished I'd heard the Cheese story sooner," Michael added. "How come?" Carlos asked. "Because by the time we got around to addressing the changes, our business had already fallen off so badly that we had to let people go, including some good friends. It was hard on all of us. However, practically everyone, those who left and those who stayed, said the Cheese story helped them see things differently and cope better. "Those who had to go out and look for a new job said it was hard at first but recalling the story was a great help to them." Angela asked, "What helped them most?" Michael replied, "After they got past their fear, they told me the best thing was realizing that there was New Cheese out there just waiting to be found! "They said holding a picture of New Cheese in their minds made them feel better, and so they did better in job interviews. Several got better jobs." Laura asked, "What about the people who remained in your company?" "Well," Michael said, "instead of complaining about the changes that were happening. People now said, 'They just moved our Cheese. Let's look for the New Cheese.' It saved a lot of time and reduced stress. "Before long, the people who had been resisting saw the advantage of changing. They even helped bring about change." Cory said, "Why do you think that happened?" "I think a lot of it had to do with the kind of peer pressure that can exist in a company.

What happens in most organizations you've been in when a change is announced by top management? Do most people say the change is a great idea or a bad idea?" "A bad idea," Frank answered. "Yes," Michael agreed. "Why?" Carlos said, "Because people want things to stay the same and they think the change will be bad for them. When one smart person says the change is a bad idea, others say the same." "Yes, they may not really feel that way," Michael said, "but they agree to look smart as well. That's the sort of peer pressure that fights change in any organization." Becky added, "In families, the same thing can happen between parents and children." Then she asked, "So how were things different for you after people heard the Cheese story?" Michael said simply, "People changed because no one wanted to look like Hem!" Everyone laughed including Nathan, who said, "That's a good point. No one in my family would want to look like Hem. They might even change. Why didn't you tell us this story at our last reunion? This could really work." Michael offered one last thought. "When we saw how well it worked for us, we passed the story along to people we wanted to do business with- knowing their organizations were also dealing with change. We suggested we might be their 'New Cheese,' that is, better partners for them to succeed with. It led to a new business." That gave Jessica several ideas and reminded her that she had some early sales calls in the morning. She looked at her watch and said, "Well, it's time for me to leave this Cheese Station and find some New Cheese." The group laughed and began saying their goodbyes. Many of them wanted to continue the conversation but needed to leave. As they left, they thanked Michael again. He said, "I'm very glad you found the story so useful and I hope that you will have the opportunity to share it soon with others." The End🧀🧀🧀🐅💜

Who Moved My Cheese Book Summary at a Glance ClickUp Blog Close Search.Close Menu. See Product sub-links. See Teams sub-links. See Topics sub-links. See News sub-links. See Get Started sub-links. Search ClickUp  Worklife Who Moved My Cheese Summary: Key Takeaways & Review   Sudarshan Somanathan Head of Content January 11, 2024 12min read At first glance, cheese might sound like an unusual metaphor for aspirational values like happiness, success, and wealth. However, when you read Spencer Johnson’s iconic fable, Who Moved My Cheese, you’ll understand why it’s the perfect one.  Published in 1992, the book owes its enormous success to its simple yet profound message: change is inevitable, and our response to it determines our fate. If you want to absorb the lessons from the book but can’t spare the time to read the whole thing, let’s take you through the Who Moved My Cheese summary. 💡📚 Bonus: Before we move into the summary of Who Moved My Cheese if you want to read more books like this but don’t have the time, check out our curated collection of 25 Must-Read Productivity Book Summaries in one place. You can save, edit, bookmark, and even export it.  Who Moved My Cheese Book Summary at a Glance Who Moved My Cheese is both an inspirational and cautionary story that revolves around four main characters—Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw. Sniff and Scurry are two mice 🐁 while Hem and Haw are little people 🧑‍🤝‍🧑. All four characters live in a maze and search for cheese. But as they encounter changes in their cheese supply, each responds differently to them, with varying degrees of success. Hem and Haw discover a vast source of cheese and settle into a life of predictable comfort, building elaborate routines around their cheese supply. Meanwhile, Sniff and Scurry constantly sniff the air, adapting to ever-changing cheese patterns. One day, the cheese disappears.  Hem and Haw are devastated, clinging to their past, blaming and fearing the unknown. Sniff and Scurry, however, quickly adjust and explore new tunnels, finding delicious new cheese.  Haw eventually joins them, embracing the change and rediscovering his adventurous spirit. But Hem remains trapped in denial, refusing to move on.

Phases in the story The story unfolds in four parts: Part 1: Cheese Station C All four characters enjoy a content, stable life, happily indulging themselves in a seemingly endless supply of cheese from Cheese Station C. Part 2: The cheese vanishes As they enjoy the abundance, the characters become complacent, taking the cheese for granted. But that all changes one day, when the cheese mysteriously disappears.  Though Sniff and Scurry had suspected the cheese supply was dwindling, its sudden loss comes as a shock. The characters are forced to confront the reality that the circumstances they relied on have changed.  The vanishing of the cheese is a powerful metaphor for unexpected changes that we must all confront at one point or another in our lives.  Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw now face a choice: resist change or embrace it. Part 3: Adapting to change  The way the four characters respond to the disappearance of the cheese reflects their differing attitudes toward change. Sniff and Scurry decide to venture deeper into the maze, searching for new cheese. They learn to let go of the past and embrace the unknown in the hunt for sustenance. Eventually, their efforts pay off and they find the new cheese. Hem and Haw, on the other hand, resist the change. They mistakenly believe that someone moved their cheese and cling to the hope that the old cheese will return. For a long time, they struggle to accept the uncertainty of their situation. Part 4: Enjoying the new cheese The final part of the story focuses on Haw’s journey of adaptation. He learns to navigate the maze, leaving his realizations as messages on the walls. These messages share his insights on what it means to cope with change.  Haw, too, eventually discovers the new stash of cheese, symbolizing a fresh opportunity or success. The experience of adapting and finding new cheese brings him joy and fulfillment.  In this part, Spencer Johnson highlights the importance of: Letting go of the past Embracing change with a positive mindset Actively seeking new opportunities It encourages readers to not only adapt to change but to find joy and satisfaction in the process of exploration and growth. 

Symbolism in the story While the book uses anthropomorphized characters most often seen in children’s books, it contains important lessons for businesses. Here is a breakdown of some of the key symbols in the book: Cheese Station C: The station serves as a metaphor for a secure and predictable environment where individuals find satisfaction in their lives. The cheese: “Cheese” symbolizes anything you value in life, whether it’s a secure job, a loving relationship, good health, or personal fulfillment. The two types of cheese, the “hard nibbling” for the mice and the “Cheese” with a capital C for the humans highlight the diversity of our desires and the subjective nature of what makes us happy. Old cheese versus new cheese represents holding on to outdated ideas and habits versus embracing new opportunities and growth The maze: The maze represents the environment we navigate in pursuit of these desires, filled with both opportunities and challenges Running shoes: They symbolize preparation and readiness for change. Sniff’s backpack: Sniff’s backpack serves as a multi-layered symbol of his preparedness and resilience in the face of changing circumstances. It can be seen as a physical manifestation of his experiences, adaptability, resourcefulness, or even emotional attachment. 

Haw’s “Write it on the Wall” messages: Haw’s “Write it on the Wall” messages illustrate his personal journey of coping with change, evolving from resistance to acceptance. Initially, writing helps him process his emotions and express his anger at the situation. At this stage, his messages are accusatory: “Who moved my cheese?” or “Why me?” As time passes, Haw’s writing evolves as his thoughts do. He grapples with his fears and anxieties, writing messages that reflect his internal struggle: “It’s too scary in here!” or “Maybe the new cheese isn’t worth it” Eventually, Haw starts writing messages that offer a glimmer of hope and encouragement. He acknowledges the difficulty of change but also recognizes the need to move forward: “No cheese here. Move on!” or “New cheese awaits!” As time passes, Haw’s writing evolves as his thoughts do. He grapples with his fears and anxieties, writing messages that reflect his internal struggle: “It’s too scary in here!” or “Maybe the new cheese isn’t worth it” Eventually, Haw starts writing messages that offer a glimmer of hope and encouragement. He acknowledges the difficulty of change but also recognizes the need to move forward: “No cheese here. Move on!” or “New cheese awaits!” These messages are not just for himself, but also for Hem. Haw hopes Hem will see them when he finally sets off on his own journey of change. By sharing his lessons and acknowledging how one must adapt to survive, Haw documents his own journey of growth and paves the way for those who might follow him.  His final message: “Smell the cheese often so you know when it’s getting old” is a distilled lesson learned from his experience. It urges Hem and the readers to be proactive, to read the signs of changing headwinds, and to recognize the inevitability of change. The main message of the book can be encapsulated as follows: Change is bound to happen, and if you accept change and adjust, you tend to do well. But if you resist it, you might have to struggle to grow. 

Key Takeaways from Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson The book attempts to leave readers with the following key takeaways: 1. Embrace change Even when changes seem scary, you’ve to deal with them, and accepting this aspect of life sets you up for success.  Sniff and Scurry embody this principle by quickly adapting to changes in their environment, always ready to move on in search of new opportunities. Quick tips to embrace change at work: Cultivate a positive attitude towards change by appreciating its potential for fueling learning and growth Encourage open communication within your team to prepare them for change and discuss concerns and questions  Celebrate successful adaptations to change, creating a culture that values flexibility and resilience 2. Be adaptable The ability to adjust to changing circumstances is vital for finding “cheese” or success. You must remain open to new possibilities and learn new skills.  In the story, Haw learns this lesson the hard way. Though he initially resists change, he eventually realizes that adapting is the key to finding new sources of cheese. Quick tips for adaptability: Encourage a mindset of continuous learning within the team Provide the training and resources your team needs to enhance skills and competencies Foster an environment where experimentation and trying new approaches are celebrated rather than discouraged 3. Anticipate change Anticipating change is a proactive approach to staying ahead in a disruption-prone world.  Sniff and Scurry regularly check the status of their cheese supply. It allows them to anticipate and prepare for any changes.  This underscores the importance of staying vigilant and being aware of potential shifts in your environment. Quick tips to prepare for change at work: Monitor industry trends and technological advancements Regularly assess the effectiveness of your current strategies Encourage team members to share insights and observations that may signal potential changes 4. Overcome fear A paralyzing fear of the unknown hinders personal and professional growth.  Haw faces his fears by venturing into the unknown parts of the maze, realizing that overcoming fear is essential for discovering new opportunities and achieving success. Quick tips to nurture a fearless workforce: Create a supportive, safe environment to help team members express their worries Coach and mentor individuals to navigate and overcome their fears Acknowledge and celebrate instances where individuals overcome challenges or fears

5. Enjoy change Rather than dreading change, learn to enjoy the journey and feel happy.  The characters who embrace change find joy in the process, understanding that it leads to new experiences and opportunities. This mindset shift can make the journey more fulfilling and less stressful. Quick tips to thrive in change: Foster a culture that values innovation and creativity Encourage team members to share success stories related to embracing change and treat each misstep as a learning opportunity Highlight the positive outcomes and growth that often accompany successful adaptations ClickUp Blog Close Search.Close Menu. See Product sub-links. See Teams sub-links. See Topics sub-links. See News sub-links. See Get Started sub-links. Search ClickUp  Worklife Who Moved My Cheese Summary: Key Takeaways & Review   Sudarshan Somanathan Head of Content January 11, 2024 12min read At first glance, cheese might sound like an unusual metaphor for aspirational values like happiness, success, and wealth. However, when you read Spencer Johnson’s iconic fable, Who Moved My Cheese, you’ll understand why it’s the perfect one.  Published in 1992, the book owes its enormous success to its simple yet profound message: change is inevitable, and our response to it determines our fate. If you want to absorb the lessons from the book but can’t spare the time to read the whole thing, let’s take you through the Who Moved My Cheese summary. 💡📚 Bonus: Before we move into the summary of Who Moved My Cheese, if you want to read more books like this but don’t have the time, check out our curated collection of 25 Must-Read Productivity Book Summaries in one place. You can save, edit, bookmark, and even export it.  Who Moved My Cheese Book Summary at a Glance via Amazon Who Moved My Cheese is both an inspirational and cautionary story that revolves around four main characters—Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw. Sniff and Scurry are two mice 🐁 while Hem and Haw are little people 🧑‍🤝‍🧑. All four characters live in a maze and search for cheese. But as they encounter changes in their cheese supply, each responds differently to them, with varying degrees of success. Hem and Haw discover a vast source of cheese and settle into a life of predictable comfort, building elaborate routines around their cheese supply. Meanwhile, Sniff and Scurry constantly sniff the air, adapting to ever-changing cheese patterns. One day, the cheese disappears.  Hem and Haw are devastated, clinging to their past, blaming and fearing the unknown. Sniff and Scurry, however, quickly adjust and explore new tunnels, finding delicious new cheese.  Haw eventually joins them, embracing the change and rediscovering his adventurous spirit. But Hem remains trapped in denial, refusing to move on. Phases in the story The story unfolds in four parts: Part 1: Cheese Station C All four characters enjoy a content, stable life, happily indulging themselves in a seemingly endless supply of cheese from Cheese Station C. Part 2: The cheese vanishes As they enjoy the abundance, the characters become complacent, taking the cheese for granted. But that all changes one day, when the cheese mysteriously disappears.  Though Sniff and Scurry had suspected the cheese supply was dwindling, its sudden loss comes as a shock. The characters are forced to confront the reality that the circumstances they relied on have changed.  The vanishing of the cheese is a powerful metaphor for unexpected changes that we must all confront at one point or another in our lives.  Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw now face a choice: resist change or embrace it. Part 3: Adapting to change  The way the four characters respond to the disappearance of the cheese reflects their differing attitudes toward change. Sniff and Scurry decide to venture deeper into the maze, searching for new cheese. They learn to let go of the past and embrace the unknown in the hunt for sustenance. Eventually, their efforts pay off and they find the new cheese. Hem and Haw, on the other hand, resist the change. They mistakenly believe that someone moved their cheese and cling to the hope that the old cheese will return. For a long time, they struggle to accept the uncertainty of their situation. Part 4: Enjoying the new cheese The final part of the story focuses on Haw’s journey of adaptation. He learns to navigate the maze, leaving his realizations as messages on the walls. These messages share his insights on what it means to cope with change.  Haw, too, eventually discovers the new stash of cheese, symbolizing a fresh opportunity or success. The experience of adapting and finding new cheese brings him joy and fulfillment.  In this part, Spencer Johnson highlights the importance of: Letting go of the past Embracing change with a positive mindset Actively seeking new opportunities It encourages readers to not only adapt to change but to find joy and satisfaction in the process of exploration and growth.  Symbolism in the story While the book uses anthropomorphized characters most often seen in children’s books, it contains important lessons for businesses. Here is a breakdown of some of the key symbols in the book: Cheese Station C: The station serves as a metaphor for a secure and predictable environment where individuals find satisfaction in their lives. The cheese: “Cheese” symbolizes anything you value in life, whether it’s a secure job, a loving relationship, good health, or personal fulfillment. The two types of cheese, the “hard nibbling” for the mice and the “Cheese” with a capital C for the humans highlight the diversity of our desires and the subjective nature of what makes us happy. Old cheese versus new cheese represents holding on to outdated ideas and habits versus embracing new opportunities and growth The maze: The maze represents the environment we navigate in pursuit of these desires, filled with both opportunities and challenges Running shoes: They symbolize preparation and readiness for change. Sniff’s backpack: Sniff’s backpack serves as a multi-layered symbol of his preparedness and resilience in the face of changing circumstances. It can be seen as a physical manifestation of his experiences, adaptability, resourcefulness, or even emotional attachment.  Haw’s “Write it on the Wall” messages: Haw’s “Write it on the Wall” messages illustrate his personal journey of coping with change, evolving from resistance to acceptance. Initially, writing helps him process his emotions and express his anger at the situation. At this stage, his messages are accusatory: “Who moved my cheese?” or “Why me?” As time passes, Haw’s writing evolves as his thoughts do. He grapples with his fears and anxieties, writing messages that reflect his internal struggle: “It’s too scary in here!” or “Maybe the new cheese isn’t worth it” Eventually, Haw starts writing messages that offer a glimmer of hope and encouragement. He acknowledges the difficulty of change but also recognizes the need to move forward: “No cheese here. Move on!” or “New cheese awaits!” These messages are not just for himself, but also for Hem. Haw hopes Hem will see them when he finally sets off on his own journey of change. By sharing his lessons and acknowledging how one must adapt to survive, Haw documents his own journey of growth and paves the way for those who might follow him.  His final message: “Smell the cheese often so you know when it’s getting old” is a distilled lesson learned from his experience. It urges Hem and the readers to be proactive, to read the signs of changing headwinds, and to recognize the inevitability of change. The main message of the book can be encapsulated as follows: Change is bound to happen, and if you accept change and adjust, you tend to do well. But if you resist it, you might have to struggle to grow.  Key Takeaways from Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson The book attempts to leave readers with the following key takeaways: 1. Embrace change Even when changes seem scary, you’ve to deal with them, and accepting this aspect of life sets you up for success.  Sniff and Scurry embody this principle by quickly adapting to changes in their environment, always ready to move on in search of new opportunities. Quick tips to embrace change at work: Cultivate a positive attitude towards change by appreciating its potential for fueling learning and growth Encourage open communication within your team to prepare them for change and discuss concerns and questions  Celebrate successful adaptations to change, creating a culture that values flexibility and resilience 2. Be adaptable The ability to adjust to changing circumstances is vital for finding “cheese” or success. You must remain open to new possibilities and learn new skills.  In the story, Haw learns this lesson the hard way. Though he initially resists change, he eventually realizes that adapting is the key to finding new sources of cheese. Quick tips for adaptability: Encourage a mindset of continuous learning within the team Provide the training and resources your team needs to enhance skills and competencies Foster an environment where experimentation and trying new approaches are celebrated rather than discouraged 3. Anticipate change Anticipating change is a proactive approach to staying ahead in a disruption-prone world.  Sniff and Scurry regularly check the status of their cheese supply. It allows them to anticipate and prepare for any changes.  This underscores the importance of staying vigilant and being aware of potential shifts in your environment. Quick tips to prepare for change at work: Monitor industry trends and technological advancements Regularly assess the effectiveness of your current strategies Encourage team members to share insights and observations that may signal potential changes 4. Overcome fear A paralyzing fear of the unknown hinders personal and professional growth.  Haw faces his fears by venturing into the unknown parts of the maze, realizing that overcoming fear is essential for discovering new opportunities and achieving success. Quick tips to nurture a fearless workforce: Create a supportive, safe environment to help team members express their worries Coach and mentor individuals to navigate and overcome their fears Acknowledge and celebrate instances where individuals overcome challenges or fears 5. Enjoy change Rather than dreading change, learn to enjoy the journey and feel happy.  The characters who embrace change find joy in the process, understanding that it leads to new experiences and opportunities. This mindset shift can make the journey more fulfilling and less stressful. Quick tips to thrive in change: Foster a culture that values innovation and creativity Encourage team members to share success stories related to embracing change and treat each misstep as a learning opportunity Highlight the positive outcomes and growth that often accompany successful adaptations 6. Smell the cheese often Just like Sniff and Scurry, regularly monitor changes in your environment. This means staying alert to potential changes, so you can anticipate and prepare for the future.  Keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings also keeps you primed to make timely decisions.  Quick tips for staying vigilant: Implement tools and processes for continuous monitoring of key metrics Establish a feedback loop where team members can share observations and insights Conduct regular check-ins to assess the effectiveness of ongoing strategies 7. Innovate and experiment Experimentation and innovation are crucial for adapting to change.  The characters in the story learn to experiment with different paths, discovering new routes to arrive at a cheese source. This illustrates the importance of trying new approaches and thinking outside the box. Quick tips to encourage innovation: Set aside time for brainstorming and idea generation  Create a designated space or platform for sharing and testing new ideas Recognize and reward innovative solutions and approaches ClickUp Blog Close Search.Close Menu. See Product sub-links. See Teams sub-links. See Topics sub-links. See News sub-links. See Get Started sub-links. Search ClickUp  Worklife Who Moved My Cheese Summary: Key Takeaways & Review   Sudarshan Somanathan Head of Content January 11, 2024 12min read At first glance, cheese might sound like an unusual metaphor for aspirational values like happiness, success, and wealth. However, when you read Spencer Johnson’s iconic fable, Who Moved My Cheese, you’ll understand why it’s the perfect one.  Published in 1992, the book owes its enormous success to its simple yet profound message: change is inevitable, and our response to it determines our fate. If you want to absorb the lessons from the book but can’t spare the time to read the whole thing, let’s take you through the Who Moved My Cheese summary. 💡📚 Bonus: Before we move into the summary of Who Moved My Cheese, if you want to read more books like this but don’t have the time, check out our curated collection of 25 Must-Read Productivity Book Summaries in one place. You can save, edit, bookmark, and even export it.  Who Moved My Cheese Book Summary at a Glance via Amazon Who Moved My Cheese is both an inspirational and cautionary story that revolves around four main characters—Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw. Sniff and Scurry are two mice 🐁 while Hem and Haw are little people 🧑‍🤝‍🧑. All four characters live in a maze and search for cheese. But as they encounter changes in their cheese supply, each responds differently to them, with varying degrees of success. Hem and Haw discover a vast source of cheese and settle into a life of predictable comfort, building elaborate routines around their cheese supply. Meanwhile, Sniff and Scurry constantly sniff the air, adapting to ever-changing cheese patterns. One day, the cheese disappears.  Hem and Haw are devastated, clinging to their past, blaming and fearing the unknown. Sniff and Scurry, however, quickly adjust and explore new tunnels, finding delicious new cheese.  Haw eventually joins them, embracing the change and rediscovering his adventurous spirit. But Hem remains trapped in denial, refusing to move on. Phases in the story The story unfolds in four parts: Part 1: Cheese Station C All four characters enjoy a content, stable life, happily indulging themselves in a seemingly endless supply of cheese from Cheese Station C. Part 2: The cheese vanishes As they enjoy the abundance, the characters become complacent, taking the cheese for granted. But that all changes one day, when the cheese mysteriously disappears.  Though Sniff and Scurry had suspected the cheese supply was dwindling, its sudden loss comes as a shock. The characters are forced to confront the reality that the circumstances they relied on have changed.  The vanishing of the cheese is a powerful metaphor for unexpected changes that we must all confront at one point or another in our lives.  Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw now face a choice: resist change or embrace it. Part 3: Adapting to change  The way the four characters respond to the disappearance of the cheese reflects their differing attitudes toward change. Sniff and Scurry decide to venture deeper into the maze, searching for new cheese. They learn to let go of the past and embrace the unknown in the hunt for sustenance. Eventually, their efforts pay off and they find the new cheese. Hem and Haw, on the other hand, resist the change. They mistakenly believe that someone moved their cheese and cling to the hope that the old cheese will return. For a long time, they struggle to accept the uncertainty of their situation. Part 4: Enjoying the new cheese The final part of the story focuses on Haw’s journey of adaptation. He learns to navigate the maze, leaving his realizations as messages on the walls. These messages share his insights on what it means to cope with change.  Haw, too, eventually discovers the new stash of cheese, symbolizing a fresh opportunity or success. The experience of adapting and finding new cheese brings him joy and fulfillment.  In this part, Spencer Johnson highlights the importance of: Letting go of the past Embracing change with a positive mindset Actively seeking new opportunities It encourages readers to not only adapt to change but to find joy and satisfaction in the process of exploration and growth.  Symbolism in the story While the book uses anthropomorphized characters most often seen in children’s books, it contains important lessons for businesses. Here is a breakdown of some of the key symbols in the book: Cheese Station C: The station serves as a metaphor for a secure and predictable environment where individuals find satisfaction in their lives. The cheese: “Cheese” symbolizes anything you value in life, whether it’s a secure job, a loving relationship, good health, or personal fulfillment. The two types of cheese, the “hard nibbling” for the mice and the “Cheese” with a capital C for the humans highlight the diversity of our desires and the subjective nature of what makes us happy. Old cheese versus new cheese represents holding on to outdated ideas and habits versus embracing new opportunities and growth The maze: The maze represents the environment we navigate in pursuit of these desires, filled with both opportunities and challenges Running shoes: They symbolize preparation and readiness for change. Sniff’s backpack: Sniff’s backpack serves as a multi-layered symbol of his preparedness and resilience in the face of changing circumstances. It can be seen as a physical manifestation of his experiences, adaptability, resourcefulness, or even emotional attachment.  Haw’s “Write it on the Wall” messages: Haw’s “Write it on the Wall” messages illustrate his personal journey of coping with change, evolving from resistance to acceptance. Initially, writing helps him process his emotions and express his anger at the situation. At this stage, his messages are accusatory: “Who moved my cheese?” or “Why me?” As time passes, Haw’s writing evolves as his thoughts do. He grapples with his fears and anxieties, writing messages that reflect his internal struggle: “It’s too scary in here!” or “Maybe the new cheese isn’t worth it” Eventually, Haw starts writing messages that offer a glimmer of hope and encouragement. He acknowledges the difficulty of change but also recognizes the need to move forward: “No cheese here. Move on!” or “New cheese awaits!” These messages are not just for himself, but also for Hem. Haw hopes Hem will see them when he finally sets off on his own journey of change. By sharing his lessons and acknowledging how one must adapt to survive, Haw documents his own journey of growth and paves the way for those who might follow him.  His final message: “Smell the cheese often so you know when it’s getting old” is a distilled lesson learned from his experience. It urges Hem and the readers to be proactive, to read the signs of changing headwinds, and to recognize the inevitability of change. The main message of the book can be encapsulated as follows: Change is bound to happen, and if you accept change and adjust, you tend to do well. But if you resist it, you might have to struggle to grow.  Key Takeaways from Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson The book attempts to leave readers with the following key takeaways: 1. Embrace change Even when changes seem scary, you’ve to deal with them, and accepting this aspect of life sets you up for success.  Sniff and Scurry embody this principle by quickly adapting to changes in their environment, always ready to move on in search of new opportunities. Quick tips to embrace change at work: Cultivate a positive attitude towards change by appreciating its potential for fueling learning and growth Encourage open communication within your team to prepare them for change and discuss concerns and questions  Celebrate successful adaptations to change, creating a culture that values flexibility and resilience 2. Be adaptable The ability to adjust to changing circumstances is vital for finding “cheese” or success. You must remain open to new possibilities and learn new skills.  In the story, Haw learns this lesson the hard way. Though he initially resists change, he eventually realizes that adapting is the key to finding new sources of cheese. Quick tips for adaptability: Encourage a mindset of continuous learning within the team Provide the training and resources your team needs to enhance skills and competencies Foster an environment where experimentation and trying new approaches are celebrated rather than discouraged 3. Anticipate change Anticipating change is a proactive approach to staying ahead in a disruption-prone world.  Sniff and Scurry regularly check the status of their cheese supply. It allows them to anticipate and prepare for any changes.  This underscores the importance of staying vigilant and being aware of potential shifts in your environment. Quick tips to prepare for change at work: Monitor industry trends and technological advancements Regularly assess the effectiveness of your current strategies Encourage team members to share insights and observations that may signal potential changes 4. Overcome fear A paralyzing fear of the unknown hinders personal and professional growth.  Haw faces his fears by venturing into the unknown parts of the maze, realizing that overcoming fear is essential for discovering new opportunities and achieving success. Quick tips to nurture a fearless workforce: Create a supportive, safe environment to help team members express their worries Coach and mentor individuals to navigate and overcome their fears Acknowledge and celebrate instances where individuals overcome challenges or fears 5. Enjoy change Rather than dreading change, learn to enjoy the journey and feel happy.  The characters who embrace change find joy in the process, understanding that it leads to new experiences and opportunities. This mindset shift can make the journey more fulfilling and less stressful. Quick tips to thrive in change: Foster a culture that values innovation and creativity Encourage team members to share success stories related to embracing change and treat each misstep as a learning opportunity Highlight the positive outcomes and growth that often accompany successful adaptations 6. Smell the cheese often Just like Sniff and Scurry, regularly monitor changes in your environment. This means staying alert to potential changes, so you can anticipate and prepare for the future.  Keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings also keeps you primed to make timely decisions.  Quick tips for staying vigilant: Implement tools and processes for continuous monitoring of key metrics Establish a feedback loop where team members can share observations and insights Conduct regular check-ins to assess the effectiveness of ongoing strategies 7. Innovate and experiment Experimentation and innovation are crucial for adapting to change.  The characters in the story learn to experiment with different paths, discovering new routes to arrive at a cheese source. This illustrates the importance of trying new approaches and thinking outside the box. Quick tips to encourage innovation: Set aside time for brainstorming and idea generation  Create a designated space or platform for sharing and testing new ideas Recognize and reward innovative solutions and approaches 8. Learn from change Every change brings valuable lessons.  As he journeys through the maze, Haw comes to realize the importance of learning from his experiences. Reflecting on the past and extracting lessons can provide insights that guide future decisions. Quick tips to learn from the past: Conduct post-change reviews to analyze what worked well and areas for improvement Encourage a culture of continuous improvement by implementing feedback loops Provide opportunities for team members to share and discuss lessons learned from recent changes