Who Moved My Cheese? – Dr Spencer Johnson

This little big book packs a punch. This is a 100-page story which tells a tale within a story. It tells an account of a group of old school friends who meet for a reunion and they get onto the subject of managing change in their lives, at work and at home. As they get talking, one shares a story that they had used in their business to bring to life how different people adapt to change. 

The short story tells the tale of 4 characters and how they react to a change in their status quo. As the book progresses, the narrator shares some morals that sit behind the story. These are powerful messages that anyone can learn from and apply to situations where we are faced with challenge from change. 

What I really like is each of the characters represents a reaction to change that is played out in many organisations when change occurs. After reading this, I reflected on situations where I had been placed in the storm of change and how I reacted. I have seen myself in all 4 positions and it helped me think about what I might need to do when put in these situations in the future.  

I say “when”, as it is not an “if”. We are constantly in a change, or on the edge of change, whether known or unknown. Remember, in the essence of the word, change means to do differently than before. We are not always ready, or as ready as others to do things differently. 

So, who do I think this book is suitable for? The answer is quite simply anyone who is preparing for change, implementing change, experiencing change or trying to reason with change.  

If you are preparing to implement change where others will feel the impact of the actions, then this will help you identify the different reactions you may see from your people. If you are mid implementing change and its not going to plan, this may help you focus on your people. If you are having change imposed on you then the book will help you think about your reactions and actions. Change isn’t always easy so the book may help you reflect on how you have received the change and whether you might want to plan a way out of the change. 

The book could be viewed as basic. Another way to view this is that the writing style is so simple it means that anyone can read it and take something away. With the book being just short of 100 pages, (and large font at that!) it can be read in about an hour. This hour investment could give a substantial return on investment in how you approach and manage yourself and others through change.