Who Moved My Cheese?
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Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson is a story that most everyone can relate to and understand. It takes the complex corporate world, and breaks it down into a simple version that even a child could understand. The story of Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw teaches the lesson that changes is not always a bad thing, and you should always be aware of change so that you can make the most of it. Although each character is very different I think that at various times we are able to relate to each of these characters.
First the setting of the story takes place in a maze. Like life itself you must make decisions to maneuver through like moving through a maze. Do you take this job, or that job? Do I hire this person, or not? These choices move you through the maze moving you either closer to the “cheese” or further away.
The cheese in the story represents success, which can mean various things to people. Like cheese there are many types and varieties to choose from, and only you can determine what “cheese” is meaningful and satisfying to you. For some people that may be money, power, status, etc
The characters Sniff and Scurry are mice in our story. Sniff is always on the look out for change in the maze, and cheese supply–while Scurry is quick to scurry into action if Sniff detects any changes. They are both well aware that the cheese supply may change, diminish, or go away entirely. So they both anticipate it so when it does change it does not come as a shock. They are prepared with their track suits and running shoes around their neck ready to go if needed. Translating that to the corporate world I see them as the workers that are always updating their resume, and networking. They were not going to allow change to destroy nor would they just move around when all was well, but when change did occur they were ready to make a move if needed.
Their fellow co-workers Hem and Haw are little people that are like miniature people, and were not so prepared. They were becoming complacent and lazy waking up late to go get the cheese thinking it would always be there, and in the same amount and condition. But they soon learned that was not the case. Hem does not like change, and denies and resists it at all costs in fear that change equates worse off. While Haw is like Hem, but is more optimistic once