Change is inevitable. Yet, most people are uncomfortable with it. Through a simple story, Spencer Johnson illustrates how people react to change, and how we can manage change more constructively and effectively. In this summary of “Who Moved my Cheese”, we’ll give a brief synopsis of the fable and key ideas.
The story provides an analogy to change in our work and personal lives. It’s about 4 characters searching for Cheese in a Maze. Cheese represents what we want in life (e.g. a successful career, money, health, freedom, spiritual growth), the Maze represents our complex world, and the 4 characters represent the 4 types of people we encounter in any change situation.
The Fable in a Nutshell
It’s set in a maze, where the 2 mice (Sniff and Scurry) and 2 littlepeople (Hem and Haw) look for Cheese every day. One day, they find that their regular stash of cheese is gone! The mice and littlepeople respond very differently. Sniff and Scurry keep things simple and cope better with change, while Hem and Haw over-complicate things. The fable traces their simple journey, and how Haw eventually made his transition, found new cheese, and learned important lessons about life and change.
Do check out our complete book summary bundle, where we’ve outlined the story and key lessons in 9 pages, along with 1-page of colourful infographic and an audio summary. Or, click here to get a copy of the “Who Moved My Cheese” book here.
Key Takeaways from “Who Moved My Cheese”
The story provides useful metaphors for us to reflect about our own lives, and the ideas can be used to facilitate discussions and shift attitudes toward change. The 4 characters in the story mirror our common responses to change. It’s useful to consider which character you’re like, as well as the people around you in a change situation.
The book also provides useful analogies for us to reflect on the Cheeses in our lives, including the “Old Cheese” that we hang on to, and the “New Cheese” that we could be enjoying. It ends off with some tips and perspectives on change that can be gleaned from the story (e.g. staying vigilant, overcoming fear and leading change).
This is a short and easy to read story, that can be easily shared with others. Get a copy of the book or our Who Moved My Cheese summary bundle, or visit www.whomovedmycheese.com for more training and learning product details.
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Click here to download Who Moved My Cheese book summary and infographic
