Hannah Marie Priest ELEM 6550: Summer Session I East Carolina University

Who Moved My Cheese? is an extremely popular book about change and adapting to change! Readers have reported that what they discovered in the story has improved their careers, businesses, health and marriages! Note: There are many critics of the book that do not understand the value of such a “simple story” The author, Dr. Spencer Johnson has said “It is not what is in the story of Who Moved My Cheese? But how you interpret it and apply it to your own situation that gives it value!!” 5 star review

The book is a simple allegory that reveals profound truths It is a story of four characters: two mice and two “little people”. All four characters live in a “maze” and look for “cheese” to nourish them and make them happy.

There are four characters who live in a maze. Together they face an unexpected change when they discover that their “cheese” has disappeared. Two of the characters are mice and the other two characters are “little people” though similar to mice in size. Each of the characters adapts to change differently. The mice are quick to acknowledge that change has occurred and take action to find new “cheese”—they simply react and move forward. Haw, one of the “little people”, overanalyzes the change initially but learns to overcome his fears, take action to find new cheese, and anticipate change as a part of life. Hem, the other “little person” is resistant to change; he refuses to take action to adapt to change. In the story it is hinted that Hem becomes extinct as a result of his inability to adapt to a changing environment.

Cheese is a metaphor for what you want to have in life. This could be a loving relationship, a great job, money (also known as “cheddar” to some), a possession, health, beauty, or spiritual peace of mind. Remember: several types of cheese exist and not everyone wants the same cheese! Examples of cheese: Provolone, Swiss, Mozzarella, Gouda, Gorgonzola, Fontina, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack

“The maze is where you look for what you want—the organization you work in, or the family or community you live in”

Sniff: A mouse that sniffs out change early He seeks out new possibilities even when things are going “as planned” Does not hang on to “old ways” Applies trial and error Does not fear what could happen

A mouse that scurries into action quickly He springs into action immediately whenever faced with a challenge Is simple-minded-not one to analyze things Does not hang on to “old ways” Applies trial and error Does not fear what could happen

A “little person” who denies and resists change for fear it will lead to something worse He has a very complex brain that overanalyzes change Hem lets his emotions get the best of him Does not realize change is coming Hangs onto old ways Blames others Allows fear to prevent him from searching for new cheese Takes himself too seriously Is closed off and closed-minded

A “little person” who starts out slow and learns to adapt in time when he sees changing can lead to something better! He learns to: face his fear of the unknown laugh at himself let go of old ways/old cheese never give up, and appreciate the experiences that develop from change and the process of change.

Interestingly, the author intended for each of the characters to represent the simple and complex parts of ourselves! As Dr. Johnson says, “Whatever parts of us we choose to use, we all share something in common: a need to find our way in the Maze and succeed in changing times” (Johnson, 2002).

As Haw began to discover how to adapt to change, he felt the need to dispel this valuable information to his friend, Hem. Haw came back to the old cheese station to speak to Hem in an attempt to help him understand the importance of looking for new “cheese” Haw wrote inspirational messages throughout the maze as a way to motivate himself, Hem, and others along the path to “new cheese”

Change Happens: They Keep Moving The Cheese Anticipate Change: Get Ready For The Cheese To Move Monitor Change: Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old Adapt to Change Quickly: The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese Change: Move With The Cheese Enjoy Change!: Savor The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese! Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again & Again: They Keep Moving The Cheese…

In the work place you can encourage and provide support for colleagues when they are faced with change. You can serve as a Teacher-Leader/Designer by creating and disseminating action steps or plans as a means of helping others learn how to overcome fears and prepare themselves for change. After all, a school environment that shares a common vision or “cheese” will create a much more productive and harmonious atmosphere for all stakeholders (e.g., students, teachers, staff, administrators, parents, community members, etc.).

Speak with others about their attitudes toward change in the workplace. Express your own ideas of change and adapting to change to your colleagues. Recommend for your colleagues to read Who Moved My Cheese?. Be prepared: there will more than likely be a “Hem” at your school. Anticipate and prepare for change (in your classroom, at the school, technology needs, accountability, etc.). Take advantage of professional development opportunities, in- services, professional organization networking, and other resources to prepare a foundation for the ever-changing profession of education.

Recognize change all around you. For instance, if your students are struggling to achieve, it is time to “move with the cheese” and make necessary adaptations/modifications to your communication, instruction and/or assessment methods. Take the time to research effective teaching techniques in your field! Take Action: Implement new communication, instruction, or assessment strategies. Remember, the first “route” may not work. You may have to take several paths before finding your “cheese”. Once students begin to excel again, start preparing for the cheese to move again. [The cycle starts over here, however, each cycle brings exciting new experiences.]

Having cheese makes you happy The more important your cheese is to you the more you want to hold on to it If you do not change, you can become extinct Posed the following question: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” Movement in a new direction helps you find new cheese When you stop being afraid, you feel good! Imagining yourself enjoying your new cheese leads you to it It is safer to search in the maze, than remain in a cheeseless situation Old Beliefs do not lead you to new cheese When you see that you can find and enjoy new cheese, you change course Noticing small changes early helps you adapt to bigger changes that are to come Move with the cheese…and enjoy it!!!

Check out this excellent website that relates to change:

…Make lemonade!

The Elements of Living Lightly. (n.d.). Retrieved from Johnson, S. (2002). Who moved my cheese? An a-mazing way to deal with change in your work and in your life. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Publishers Red Tree Inc. (2009). Who moved my cheese? Retrieved from