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Story Synopsis |
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The
story, Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, is about managing and adapting
to change. It is written as a parable that shows our natural tendency to
resist change. In the story, two mice Sniff and Scurry and two little people Hem
and Haw face unexpected change as their supply of cheese
runs out. The
story illustrates how these characters respond differently to the uncertainty
that accompanies change. o Sniff
… sniffs out change early. o Scurry
… scurries into action. o Hem
… resists change for fear it will lead to something worse. o Haw
… adapts to change when he sees change leading to something better. The
story offers the following seven handwriting-on-the-wall principles for
dealing with change in our personal and work lives:
These are
wonderful concepts and truths for everyone to learn and follow. The hard part
is putting them into practice. But … that’s where this
App comes into play. |
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App Purpose |
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As our world
gets interconnected faster and technological breakthroughs accelerate, CHANGE
may be starting to happen quicker than our ability to understand and guide
its development. From a personal standpoint, change for
many of us represents breaking habits and lifestyle routines, losing
predictability and control. Many workers, including life-long career
professionals, are beginning to lose confidence in their ability to stay
competitive and handle workplace change. From an organizational perspective, change for most organizations is even more difficult.
Organizations by their nature are not predisposed to change. In fact, a
primary purpose of organizational structures is to produce predictable
behaviors and results … Not change! Dr. Edward de
Bono in his book, Think!; Before It’s Too Late, may have said it best:
“The biggest problem facing the world today is not … pollution, war,
poverty or climate change … but inadequate thinking.” Dr. Spencer
Johnson’s book, Who Moved My Cheese, is more relevant than ever! It
provides the insights and reasons why individuals and organizations need to
change. This Who
Moved My Cheese App turns Dr. Johnson’s book into a real-time self help
guide with the tools needed to Think-through-change as it occurs … On your job and
in your personal life. Yes … the handwriting is on the wall for
all of us to adapt to continuous change. |
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Applet 1: Change Happens (They keep moving the cheese) |
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Story Lesson: Two mice Sniff
and Scurry and two little people Hem and Haw face unexpected change
as their supply of cheese runs out. Each character responds differently to
the uncertainty that accompanies change. Applet
Purpose: A critical first step for mastering change is to become aware that
“change happens” and how you personally react to it. Use this App to help discover what change
is happening in your life. And to better understand if you are personally more
likely to embrace change … or fear and resist change. |
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Applet 2: Anticipate Change (Get ready for cheese to move) |
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Story Lesson: Once little person Haw overcame
his fear of change, he is able to “paint a picture” in his mind about enjoying new cheese (e.g. new direction,
job, etc.). Haw admits that the biggest inhibitor to change lies within himself, and that nothing will get better until he changes. Applet
Purpose: Having a clear work/life vision and
purpose enables you to anticipate change and reduce uncertainty. Use this App to help you take more control
of your life by setting goals and making plans for how to change your life. |
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Applet 3: Monitor Change (Smell the cheese often so you know
when it is getting old) |
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Story Lesson: While both Hem and Haw took for
granted that their cheese would always be there, Haw finally realizes that
change would not have taken him by surprise … if he had been watching what
was happening (smelling that the cheese was getting old). Applet Purpose: Though it
seems hard to be on the constant lookout for change, you cannot allow change
to surprise you. Use this App to help you to naturally “see” changes coming
in your work/life. Paying attention to changing situations helps determine
what actions you need to take today … to prepare yourself for a better
tomorrow. |
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Applet 4: Adapt to change quickly (The quicker you let go of the old
cheese, The sooner you can enjoy the new cheese) |
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Story Lesson: Hem remains adamant in his belief that
change is happening … to him. Hem feels entitled and waits for someone
to give him new cheese. Haw, however, comes to realize that old beliefs and thinking
would not lead him to new cheese and says: “If you want to change how you act … you must first change how you
think.” Applet
purpose: Adapting to change comes from
within us. And is mostly about knowing how to better apply the strengths and
abilities you already have. Use this App to tap into your strengths to
overcome any roadblocks to change. |
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Applet 5: Change (Move with the cheese) |
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Story Lesson: Sniff and Scurry are a good team.
Sniff observes a dwindling cheese supply and Scurry takes action to find a
new cheese supply. Hem and Haw are so afraid of not finding new cheese they
didn’t even want to start looking. Haw finally takes a deep breath and his first step into the maze to “move
with the cheese.” Applet Purpose: Wanting to change is
one thing … but it’s quite another to really DO IT! One of the hardest
parts to change … is taking that first
step. This App helps you create a habit for keeping up with change
and taking ongoing action. |
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Applet 6:
Enjoying Change (Savor
the adventure and enjoy the taste of new cheese) |
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Story lesson: Hem continues to look at life as a
series of problems (changes) that bring bad things. Haw comes to look at life
as a series of opportunities (changes) that bring good things. He imagines
himself enjoying New Cheese even before he found it. This not only brings joy
but the strength to go find it. Applet
purpose: It’s
a natural human tendency that the fear that builds up in your mind … is worse
than the situation that actually exists. When you move beyond your fear, you
feel free to move in a new direction. This App helps
you look at change as an opportunity for positive things to happen … not
negative. |
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Applet 7: Be
Ready to Change Quickly and Enjoy it Again & Again (They keep moving the cheese) |
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Story lesson: Haw has become “change adept” by
learning from the past but letting go of it. He not only keeps adapting to
change but has his final revelation … to plan for a future of new cheese. Applet
purpose: It’s good to be able to quickly react to
change … but it’s better yet if you can proactively manage change. This App
helps you systems think to understand the dynamics of larger living wholes.
And futures think to help you become more aware of what is emerging. Both of
these thinking skills will help you to dramatically improve your ability to
manage change. |