Most people are resistant to change and prefer to stay in their happy little comfort zone. This is especially true in the workplace. I was able to experience this phenomenon firsthand when my division recently was merged into a different entity. The new entity’s procedures and systems were completely alien to us, and we had to undergo months of training in order to adopt the software. As you can imagine, the “lifers” were the most resistant to change, and many opted for the nearest exit via an early retirement package. The transition was trying experience to those who remained, and chaos reigned as we faced this brave new world.
Into this madness was dropped a reading assignment: a book by Spencer Johnson. No, not The One-Minute Manager. Instead, we were treated to Who Moved My Cheese?, a lighthearted fantasy of sneaker-wearing mice and miniature humans trapped in a maze. I know, the premise sounds like a bad 1970’s horror movie, probably starring Marjoe Gortner or Doug McClure. All that was missing were the chainsaws. For a moment, I envied the early retirees. If you can get past that, though, you may come away with a greater understanding of different people’s perspectives of change. Or not.
The book is a quick read at less than 100 pages, and is written in a large typeface reminiscent of children’s books. It highlights the quest of two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two mouse-sized men, Hem and Haw, for cheese. Sniff and Scurry represent the instinct to go with the flow and accept change, while the little people tend to over-analyze the situation. Of the humans, it is Hem who is the most stubborn, staying in his comfort zone, refusing to acknowledge the shifting paradigms. Haw, the more adventurous, makes thoughtful notes as he wanders the maze, and looks forward to new opportunities. The last part of the book is a discussion between a group of former classmates, who relate who the Hems and Haws are in their organizations.
I have to admit, I didn’t hate the book, despite my initial disappointment. I’m not sure if I had any great take-aways, but it helped me remember that change is inevitable, and often a good thing. I put this book in the category of Quality is Free by Philip B. Crosby, another overrated, company-mandatory read from long ago.
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