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 Over the past two years, I have trained more than one thousand people, in more than thirty workshops, on the finer points of "Who Moved My Cheese?". I continue to be amazed at the wisdom in this little book, and the impact it has on the people in my programs. For some, the program serves as a simple reminder that those who embrace change quickly do better in business or in their personal lives. For others, it provides a real breakthrough that ultimately leads to healthier relationships, career change, relocation, and other life changing decisions.
Spencer Johnson has taken some very simple observations from his medical practice and turned them into a practical book of wisdom to which we can all relate. But why is this book so powerful? Here's my take on four reasons why "Cheese" works.
1. The terms "Cheese" and "Maze" make it a story for everyone
In the book, the characters spend their lives chasing "Cheese". Cheese is a metaphor for what we want in life - money, health, inner peace, enlightenment, relationships, status, fame, etc. No matter what our current situation, we can all relate to this scenario because we are all looking for something to make us happy. "Cheese" is the stuff that we really want in life.
The second simplifying term he uses is "Maze". Basically the "Maze" is where we look for the "Cheese" or what we want in life. Again, the brilliance is in the simplicity. Look around you for signs that people are trying to tell you. The "handwriting on the wall" concept is much easier to explain to people that are "looking for Cheese in a Maze."
2. Wry humor carries the day
In the first chapter of "Who Moved My Cheese?", the foolishness of "big brained people" is sharply contrasted against mice who just respond, never having to think about their decisions. When the cheese in Cheese Station C starts disappearing, the little people, Hem and Haw, ignore the change and continue to spend their days going to their Cheese Station. Sniff and Scurry (the little mice), on the other hand, don't do a lot of thinking, they simply adjust their ways and begin to sniff and scurry around for more cheese. From this scenario we quickly get the point from Johnson, sometimes we humans think too much.
3. You wont feel threatened by the story
The story and the workshop encourage introspection. "Cheese" works because it allows you to look at yourself honestly and assess the way you are currently dealing with change. No one leaves the program feeling criticized or ostracized. Instead, people leave the session feeling upbeat and encouraged. They know that even though they may have made mistakes handling change in the past, with the right skills and attitude, they can now begin to manage change more effectively in the future.
"Cheese" offers a lighthearted approach to the issue of holding onto things too tightly. Through the suffering of Hem, and the breakthrough of Haw, we learn two contrasting approaches to dealing with change.
4. Failure to make change easily is seen as human and acceptable
Anyone who reads this book is forced to think about where their life is going and examine what is blocking them from achieving their success. We learn that our current situation does not have to be a permanent one. In the story, Haw's big breakthrough comes when he learns to pay more attention to his environment. He discovers the "handwriting on the wall" and documents his success so that others can learn from his journey.
We quickly realize that we all struggle with change - all of our lives. Through Hem, we learn that not changing can bring us pain. Through Haw, we learn that by paying attention to the people around us, we can learn things that will make change easier for us. Through Sniff and Scurry, we learn that sometimes we think too much.
This book is a winner, its message is universal and the workshops are almost as fun to attend as they are to present. Call us to book a Cheese Learning Experience for your organization or at the very least, pick up the book and read it - you will never look at change the same way again.
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