A book report By: Corey Phillips Who Moved My Cheese? A book report By: Corey Phillips

SUMMARY – Who Moved My Cheese? The book is a story about four characters who live in a “maze” and are on a search to find “cheese”. The “maze” represents where one works, one’s family, or the community where one lives. The “cheese” represents what one wants in life; a good job, relationships, money, health, ect.

Summary – Who Moved My Cheese? Characters Sniff -- A mouse that sniffs out the situation. Scurry – A mouse that scurries into action. Hem – A little person that is comfortable in life and resist change. Haw – A little person that eventually lets go and trust what lies ahead.

Summary – Who Moved My Cheese? Sniff and Scurry are two mice that use trial and error to work their way around the “maze” on their quest for “cheese”. Though Sniff and Scurry are not as smart or as complex as Hem and Haw they keep things simple, don’t over analyze, and change with change. Hem and Haw are two little people that are much smarter and more advanced than the two mice. However, Hem and Haw are comfortable with their life and are afraid of change.

Summary – Who Moved My Cheese? Sniff and Scurry keep moving. When their “cheese” runs out they are quick to react and find new “cheese”. Haw eventually overcomes his fears and gets out of his comfort zone and moves forward, changing with change, looking for new “cheese”, and becoming happier. Hem never overcomes his fears and never gets out of his comfort zone. He becomes arrogant and complacent, and once his “cheese” runs out doesn’t look for new “cheese”.

Summary – Who Moved My Cheese? The book illustrates that we must all be open to the idea of change. We must not get too comfortable where we are, because one day, the “cheese” may be gone. Continuing to plan ahead and constantly looking for new “cheese” in our own “mazes” allows us to adapt and to grow.

Effective Communication Team Work Sniff and Scurry display team work in their quest to find “cheese”. They work together. Sniff, “sniffed ahead” and Scurry, “scurried ahead” looking for “cheese”. Their effective team work allowed them to stay on the “cheese”. In order to work effectively together the two of them had to communicate well with each other. Hem and Haw did not work together.

Effective Communication Listening Sniff and Scurry demonstrated how important it is to listen to each other. By listening to each other they were able to navigate the “maze” and find “cheese”. Hem demonstrated how not to listen. Hem would not listen to Haw when Haw was trying to get him to move forward.

Effective Communication Motivate Haw used motivational quotes to communicate with not only others but himself. His quotes kept him focused on changing with change. His quotes were also left for Hem, incase he decided to join the journey.

Effective Communication Imagination -- Creativity Spencer Johnson, the author, used his imagination in creating these characters, the “maze”, and the “cheese”. His ability to use his imagination and creativity was an effective communication tool. If the book had been about four ordinary people, the book would not of had the same effect.

How Can I Use Communication At Work Team Work Teachers should communicate effectively and collaborate with each other. Being able to take positives from others and getting rid of my negatives will make me a better teacher. To collaborate with others I will have to communicate effectively and work well with others.

How Can I Use Communication At Work Listen If teachers will listen to each other they can become better educators. If I will listen to other teachers I may find new and better ways to do things. If I will listen to other teachers I may learn from their mistakes and successes.

How Can I Use Communication At Work? Motivate Motivation is a powerful communication tool. Teachers should motivate their students to excell. If I can motivate my students to go the extra mile and reach toward or beyond their goals, I will be a better teacher.

How Can I Use Communication at Work Imagination – Creativity If teachers will use their imagination and creativity they may reach students that they normally would not reach. Spencer Johnson reached me because of his imagination and creativity. If I can do the same with my students I will be a better teacher.

Action Steps Accept Change Adapt Change Enjoy Change Teachers should realize if they are not changing and looking to get better they will get comfortable and be left behind the times. Adapt Teachers should adapt to the times, their students, and co-workers. Change Don’t be afraid to change. Change is a good thing. Make the most of it. Enjoy Change Change will be what you make.